‘Buffy’ Star Michelle Trachtenberg Found Dead At Age 39

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress renowned for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, who passed away at the age of 39. She was found unresponsive in her New York City apartment by her mother around 8 a.m. on February 26. Authorities have stated that no foul play is suspected.

Trachtenberg’s career began early; she made her acting debut at the age of three in a Wisk detergent commercial. She gained prominence with her role as Nona F. Mecklenberg in Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete. Her breakthrough came in 1996 when she portrayed the titular character in Harriet the Spy, a film adaptation of lesbian artist and author Louise Fitzhugh’s 1964 novel.

In 2000, Trachtenberg joined the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Buffy. The series has cultivated a significant queer fan base, and Trachtenberg certainly contributed to the show’s legacy as a touchstone for many within the community.

Beyond Buffy, Trachtenberg took on the role of Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl, another project with a huge queer fanbase. She reprised this role in the show’s 2022 reboot.

In recent months, fans expressed concern over Trachtenberg’s health due to noticeable changes in her appearance. She addressed these concerns on social media, asserting that she was “happy and healthy” and dismissing rumors about her well-being. However, ABC News is reporting she may have recently undergone a liver transplant.

Trachtenberg’s Harriet costar, Rosie O’Donnell, told US Weekly she’s heartbroken over the news. “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped,” she said.

Michelle Trachtenberg was a familiar face to a generation of TV and movie fans, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. She played characters that stuck with people, and her legacy will be long remembered.