By Hannah Parry
Associate News Editor
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Actress Michelle Trachtenberg has died at age 39.
The Buffy and Gossip Girl star was found dead at her Midtown, Manhattan apartment at shortly after 8 a.m. Wednesday, according to Associated Press.
Police responded to a 911 call at the luxury residential tower where "officers observed a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive," the NYPD told Newsweek in a statement. She was pronounced her dead at the scene.
No foul play was suspected. The New York Medical Examiner is currently investigating the cause of death, police said.
Trachtenberg was a former child star whose breakout role was in the 1996 "Harriet the Spy" hit movie. She later went on to land roles in iconic 90s show Buffy the Vampire Slayer and in the 2000s hit show Gossip Girl.
Several of her Buffy costars paid tribute to the "beautiful soul" on Wednesday.
James Marsters, who played fan favorite Spike on the show, wrote on Instagram, "My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul. "Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her."
Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow, shared several pictures of herself with Trachtenberg as she posted she was "deeply saddened" by the loss of the actress who "brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy."
Earlier today, David Boreanaz, who played Angel, offered prayers "to her and her family."
Fans had raised concerns about her appearance over the past year. In January 2024, Trachtenberg responded to a fan who said she looked "sick."
"Explain to me how I look sick," the 17 Again actress questioned. "Did you lose a calendar and not realize I'm not 14. I'm 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment."
Newsweek's live blog is closed.
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Feb 26, 2025 at 07:44 PM EST
‘Our first Nick movie star has departed us’ says fellow former Nickelodeon actor Kenan Thompson
Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson wrote about his shock at losing a fellow former child actor on Nickelodeon.
Thompson, who appeared on the popular Nickelodeon sketch-comedy series "All That" before getting a spin off in 1996, with Kenan and Kel, wrote: "Our first Nick movie star has departed us!!
"She was my friend and now she rests!! Check on your people!!!"
Feb 26, 2025 at 07:32 PM EST
Buffy costars pay tribute to ‘beautiful soul’
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Several of Michelle Trachtenberg's Buffy the Vampire Slayer costars have paid touching tributes.
James Marsters, who played fan favorite Spike on the show, wrote on Instagram, "My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul.
"Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her."
Marsters, who also shared a photo of himself with Trachtenberg, added, "My heart goes out to her family who are good people, and are suffering the greatest loss anyone could bear. I hope everyone can give them space to heal in this most difficult time. Godspeed Michelle. You are missed."
Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow on the show, posted several pictures of herself with Trachtenberg as she posted she was "deeply saddened by the news of Michelle's passing."
"She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle's family and friends," she added.
Earlier today, David Boreanaz, who played Angel across from Trachtenberg, shared that he was mourning for his costar.
"So very sad... Horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family," he said on his Instagram story.
Feb 26, 2025 at 07:15 PM EST
Another ex of Trachtenberg speaks out at ‘shock’ of losing her, his ‘first love’
Trachtenberg's former boyfriend, guitarist Zane Carney, has said he is in "shock" after learning of her loss.
Carney said the pair had dated in the 90s, while they were both child actors, after meeting on the set of Dave's World.
He said he'd already had a crush on Trachtenberg after seeing her in Harriet The Spy, so was delighted but nervous when the casting director of the sitcom announced she would be a guest star.
'I was so nervous to meet her, and the second she stepped on set my feelings for her grew tenfold," he said in a lengthy social media post.
Carney, who describes Trachtenberg as his "first love," said that they quickly developed a connection and became boyfriend and girlfriend.
"For her birthday a few months later, my Dad helped me record a version of the Beatles' 'Michelle' which we played over the loudspeakers at her birthday party at The Oakwoods. She ran out of the party half-embarrassed-half-smitten (as kids do) but later revealed how much that meant to her."
'We stayed in touch all these years and even spoke as recently as October/November 2024.
'There's no other way to say it other than that she was my first love (and I may have been hers, as well...) I loved her brain, her wit, her seemingly unlimited energy, her effortless beauty, her loyalty and how every room she entered became precisely *infinity percent* more fun, just because she was in it.
"So many others have much more to say, but I just wanted to share how much I adored Michelle and how sad I am to know that I won't be able to laugh or reminisce with her anymore. She was such a unique treasure of a soul and she will be unbelievably missed by the Carney/Heil household. We love you forever Michelle and our hearts go out to the entire Trachtenberg family."
Feb 26, 2025 at 06:25 PM EST
WATCH: Remembering Michelle Trachtenberg: ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘Buffy’ Star dies at 39
Feb 26, 2025 at 05:57 PM EST
Trachtenberg had undergone liver transport before her death: Report
Michelle Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant shortly before her death, ABC News reports.
The 39-year-old actress may have been suffering from complications, according to the network.
Police believe that Trachtenberg died of natural causes although a cause of death has not yet been declared.
No foul play is suspected.
Feb 26, 2025 at 05:23 PM EST
Who was Michelle Trachtenberg dating?
The actress was dating talent agent Jay Cohen, at the time of her death.
Cogen is the partner and head of film finance at The Gersh Agency - the same talent agency Trachtenberg joined in 2014.
They were first linked together in 2020 but Trachtenberg made it official in 2023 with a Valentine's Day post, sharing a sweet picture of them together.
Earlier this month, she shared another sweet Valentine Day's post dedicated to Cohen.
"Happy Valentine's Day to the man who sits still long enough for me to paint his face," she wrote, alongside a photo of them both together, dressed as Dr Jeckyl and Mr Hyde on Halloween.
It was one of Trachtenberg's final posts before her death on Wednesday.
Feb 26, 2025 at 04:59 PM EST
Did Michelle Trachtenberg have children? Her family explained
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Michelle Trachtenberg was the youngest daughter of Michael and Lana Trachtenberg. She had one sibling; an older sister named Irene Trachtenberg.
The star has described her family as supportive and previously told HuffPost Live she was "raised in a loving and strict way."
She added that she was "very lucky' after her parents had supported her dream of becoming an actress, and cited their support as to why she had never succumbed to the darker side of Hollywood.
"I've never done a drug in my life and it's not something I think about," she said. "Why would I want to do something to mess it up, to take it all away?"
Trachtenberg, 39, never married and never had kids.
She was dating talent agent Jay Cohen at the time of her death.
Feb 26, 2025 at 04:51 PM EST
How will Trachtenberg’s death affect the potential Buffy reboot?
Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans celebrated when it was announced earlier this month that the iconic 90s show would likely be returning to the small screen via Hulu.
Sarah Michelle Gellar is reportedly in final talks to reprise her role as the titular character, although the show will focus on a new slayer, according to Variety.
Trachtenberg, who played Buffy's sister Dawn Summers, would likely have also returned in the show, directed by Marvel's Eternals' Chloé Zhao.
The tragic loss of Trachtenberg is unlikely to stop the sequel, but her absence will be noted by her costars and fans alike.
Feb 26, 2025 at 04:42 PM EST
Trachtenberg was making a return to the screen
Trachtenberg had recently made a comeback, reprising her as character of Georgina Sparks in the Gossip Girl reboot last year.
She also appeared in the 2024 movie "Spyral", directed by Bill Guttentag, which documents his partner's spiral into mental illness.
The 39-year-old was also likely to appear in the Buffy reboot being discussed with Hulu.
Feb 26, 2025 at 04:17 PM EST
Gossip Girl showrunners describe ” funny, kind, and talented” star
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The Gossip Girl creators and showrunners, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, told NBC News that Trachtenberg would be "deeply missed.":
"We are deeply saddened by the news of Michelle's passing," they said.
"Michelle was so funny, kind, and talented. Her portrayal of Georgina Sparks was an iconic fan favorite, and grew from a one season villain to a beloved character who returned over the course of six seasons."
"She was a delight to have on set and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family," they added.
Feb 26, 2025 at 04:04 PM EST
Trachtenberg’s X-Men star ex-boyfriend speaks out after her death
X-Men star Shawn Ashmore, who dated Trachtenberg for two years between 2004 and 2006, said he was "incredibly sad" to hear about her death.
Canadian actor Ashmore, who is best known for his role as Bobby Drake, also known as Iceman, in the X-Men film, said he always remembered his time with Trachtenberg "fondly."
"Incredibly sad to hear about Michelle's passing," he wrote in a post on Instagram.
"She was an incredible person and I will always remember the years we spent together fondly. She was loving, quirky and would never pass up a law and order SVU marathon:)"
He added, "My condolences to her mother Lana and sister Irene! This is an incredible loss!"
Feb 26, 2025 at 03:41 PM EST
Trachtenberg’s notable TV roles and film appearances
Michelle Trachtenberg continued to build on her diverse career in 2011 with multiple guest-starring roles. On June 9, 2011, she appeared on Love Bites as Jodie, a woman seeking revenge after being dumped. She returned to the series for subsequent episodes, including the finale on July 21, 2011. Trachtenberg also made a notable appearance in Weeds during its seventh season, playing Emma, a rival pot dealer who complicates life for Silas Botwin.
In 2012, Trachtenberg was cast in The Scribbler, a film produced by Gabriel Cowan. Her versatility continued in 2011 with a role in Criminal Minds, where she portrayed Diane Turner, a stalker targeting Spencer Reid's girlfriend.
In 2015, Trachtenberg took on the role of Anna, a high school guidance counselor, in the online series Guidance. Most recently, in 2023, she returned to her iconic role as Georgina Sparks in the second season of the Gossip Girl revival on HBO.
Feb 26, 2025 at 03:13 PM EST
Trachtenberg’s 2006-2009 career highlights: from ‘House’ to ‘Gossip Girl’
In 2006, Michelle Trachtenberg made notable guest appearances, including in the hit medical drama House and the crime series Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Trachtenberg revealed on Late Night with Conan O'Brien that House was her favorite show, and her guest role came about through a friendship with one of its producers.
Later that year, she starred in the slasher remake Black Christmas and appeared in multiple music videos, including Fall Out Boy's "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" and Trapt's "Echo."
Trachtenberg's career continued to rise with her voice role in Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn Twilight and her breakthrough role as Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl. She became a key character in multiple seasons of the hit CW show, appearing in the final season as well. In 2009, she starred in the NBC drama Mercy, followed by roles in 17 Again and Cop Out.
Feb 26, 2025 at 02:48 PM EST
Michelle Trachtenberg ‘struggled in last few years’ says costar
Rosie O'Donnell, who appeared in Harriet the Spy across from Trachtenberg, said that her former costar had "struggled" in the years before her death.
"I loved her very much,' she told Entertainment Tonight. "She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped."
O'Donnell added that it was "heartbreaking" to lose Trachtenberg.
Feb 26, 2025 at 02:46 PM EST
Kim Cattrall shares simple tribute to her late Ice Princess costar
Kim Cattrall, who starred in 2005's Ice Princess, simply posted: "Rest in peace sweet Michelle."
Feb 26, 2025 at 02:44 PM EST
Trachtenberg’s reps confirm her death
Reps for Michelle Trachtenberg have confirmed her death at 39, and have requested privacy for her family.
In a statement, they said: 'It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away.
"The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time."
Feb 26, 2025 at 02:42 PM EST
Buffy star David Boreanaz sends prayers to Trachtenberg’s family
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Buffy star David Boreanaz, who played Angel across from Trachtenberg, who played the titular star Buffy's sister Dawn, is mourning the loss of his costar.
"So very sad... Horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family," he said on his Instagram story.
Feb 26, 2025 at 02:26 PM EST
Weeds writer posts tribute to Trachtenberg who appeared in the show
Weeds writer Matthew Salsber has posted a tribute to Trachtenberg who played Emma Karlin in the show.
"Sad to hear about the loss Michelle Trachtenberg," he wrote in a post on X.
"She did 5 episodes of Weeds in 2011. Way too young. RIP."
Feb 26, 2025 at 02:17 PM EST
Heartbroken fans mourn the loss of their favorite childhood star
Tributes have been pouring in from devastated fans after the death of Michelle Trachtenberg.
"A chunk of my childhood is gone. Rest in peace Michelle Trachtenberg, forever our ice princess," X user KT posted, referring to the movie the actress starred in alongside Joan Cusack, along with an emoji of a white heart and dove.
Elena Sainte shared a photo of Trachtenberg in a post on X, formerly Twitter, adding, "She was my IT girl when i was young... this day is the worst."
One X user, with the name "bearwiitch" added: "RIP michelle trachtenberg. you were always an angel."
Feb 26, 2025 at 02:07 PM EST
Police say ‘criminality not suspected’ in Trachtenberg’s death
The New York Police Department told Newsweek on Wednesday that they don't suspect any foul play in Michelle Trachtenberg's death.
"Criminality is not suspected," an NYPD spokesman said. "The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death."
The NYPD confirmed that an in investigation remains ongoing into her death.
Feb 26, 2025 at 02:03 PM EST
Trachtenberg’s final Instagram post revealed
Michelle Trachtenberg shared a throwback photo of herself on Instagram just days before she was found dead aged 39.
In the picture, from 2013, she is wearing a long green gown on a red carpet.
"I wanted to look like naughty #tinkerbell 💚 #throwback," Trachtenberg captioned the photo on February 18.
Feb 26, 2025 at 01:54 PM EST
EuroTrip costar pays tribute to ‘kind and caring’ Trachtenberg
Michelle Trachtenberg's EuroTrip costar, Travis Wester, has paid tribute to the "kind, generous, and caring" actress.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Wester wrote he was "deeply saddened" to learn of the "tragic passing of Michelle Trachtenberg."
"In the time I knew her, she was a brilliant presence on set, her approach to comedy was fearless, and personally she was kind, generous, and caring. I pray that her memory will be a blessing," added Wester, who has also appeared in NCIS and Bones.
Feb 26, 2025 at 01:46 PM EST
Gossip Girl’s Ed Westwick posts tribute to former costar Michelle Trachtenberg
Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick has posted a sweet tribute to his former costar Michelle Trachtenberg.
Westwick, who starred as Chuck Bass on the show alongside Trachtenberg who played Georgina, shared a picture of her on his Instagram story in the wake of her death.
"So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg sending prayers," he captioned the picture, with a prayer emoji and a white heart.
Feb 26, 2025 at 01:39 PM EST
Fans has raised concerns about Trachtenberg’s appearance in recent months
The iconic '90s and 2000s star had been active on social media in the weeks prior to her death, with some fans expressing their concern about her appearance over the past year.
In January 2024, Trachtenberg responded to a fan who said she looked "sick."
"Explain to me how I look sick," the 17 Again actress questioned. "Did you lose a calendar and not realize I'm not 14. I'm 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment."
She posted her final selfie earlier this month on February 12. She shared her last Instagram post last week, on February 18.
"I wanted to look like naughty #tinkerbell 💚 #throwback ⚡," Trachtenberg captioned the 2013 photo, which featured her wearing a green gown on the red carpet.
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