Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, had been living a quiet life away from the spotlight before her sudden passing at the age of 39. The actress was found dead in New York City on Wednesday, February 26. The following day, the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that her family objected to an autopsy, leading to an official ruling of her cause of death as "undetermined."
Despite stepping away from Hollywood in recent years, Trachtenberg left an undeniable mark on the industry. A close friend exclusively shared with PEOPLE that she had distanced herself from the entertainment world, choosing a more private life. "She had the story of childhood stardom. She had a few roles in the last decade, but nothing that really made waves," the source said. Her last credited appearance was in 2023 when she reprised her iconic role as Georgina Sparks in the Gossip Girl reboot on Max.
While she may have retreated from the limelight, those who knew her remember her warmth. "She was always kind, supportive, and loving," the friend said, recalling her genuine nature. "She was an amazing person. It’s heartbreaking."
Tragically, sources revealed that Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant, and complications may have played a role in her passing. Another source close to her mentioned that she had been struggling emotionally in the past year. "She was really, really down emotionally. She told friends she was struggling," they shared. "She was pale, gaunt, very thin, and dealing with health issues." Despite her challenges, she remained open with those in her inner circle about her struggles but kept much of her condition private. "She was sick off and on," the friend noted, though she didn’t disclose many details.
In January 2024, Trachtenberg addressed online speculation about her appearance after posting a selfie on Instagram. Facing unwarranted criticism, she clapped back at the negativity. "Fun fact. This is my face," she wrote. "Not malnutrition. No problems. Why do you have to hate? Get a calendar." In another post, she added, "I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery. I am happy and healthy. Check yourself, haters."
Her career began early, launching her into the spotlight as a child actress. Many will remember her breakout role in Harriet the Spy (1996), where she starred alongside Rosie O'Donnell and J. Smith-Cameron. She went on to build an impressive resume, appearing in major films like EuroTrip, 17 Again, and Ice Princess, solidifying her as a beloved figure in Hollywood. But it was her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl that made her a household name.
Following the devastating news of her passing, tributes poured in from friends, colleagues, and fans. Her Harriet the Spy costars Rosie O’Donnell and J. Smith-Cameron honored her memory, along with Gossip Girl alums Blake Lively, Chace Crawford, Taylor Momsen, and Ed Westwick. The Buffy the Vampire Slayer cast, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, James Marsters, and David Boreanaz, also shared heartfelt messages.
Blake Lively, in particular, penned a moving tribute, remembering Michelle’s vibrant personality. "She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed," Lively wrote. "Everything she did, she did 200%. She laughed the fullest at someone's joke, she faced authority head-on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, and she was proud to be a part of this community and industry, as painful as it could be sometimes. She was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved. She was big and bold and distinctly herself."
"The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle," Lively added.
Trachtenberg’s passing is a heartbreaking loss for Hollywood and her loved ones. She was more than an actress—she was a force of nature, someone whose presence lit up a room and whose kindness left a lasting impact. As the entertainment world mourns her, her legacy as an actress, friend, and inspiration lives on.
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