Leighton Meester reflects on 'devastating' loss of Michelle Trachtenberg: 'wonderful, talented person'
Leighton Meester opens up about the death of her former 'Gossip Girl' co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, who passed away in February at age 39 due to complications from diabetes.
Leighton Meester, the beloved "Gossip Girl" actress, recently shared her emotional thoughts on the death of her former co-star Michelle Trachtenberg. In an interview with Flaunt, Meester expressed the deep impact Trachtenberg's passing has had on her and the entire "Gossip Girl" family.
Trachtenberg, best known for playing Georgina Sparks on the hit CW series, tragically passed away in February 2025 at the age of 39 due to complications from diabetes mellitus.
Leighton Meester remembers Michelle Trachtenberg after her death
Meester, who played the role of Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl, said Trachtenberg was a "wonderful, talented person" and said her death was a "devastating" loss. "Everyone loved her. It's very, very sad for everyone who knew her," said Meester in the interview.
Trachtenberg, who played Georgina Sparks in "Gossip Girl", was found dead in her Manhattan apartment. Photo: Midland Reporter-Telegram
Trachtenberg had a long and memorable career in Hollywood. With roles in several productions such as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Harriet the Spy" and alongside prominent figures in the industry like Kim Cattrall in "Ice Princess", her death was unexpected and shocked Hollywood and fans alike.
Gossip Girl's stars honor Michelle Trachtenberg
"Gossip Girl" stars Blake Lively and Penn Badgley also remembered Trachtenberg after her death. Lively, in an Instagram post, wrote: "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, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes." She finished saying that what set Trachtenberg apart from the rest was how "she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself."
Penn Badgley similarly remembered Trachtenberg's laugh in an interview. He said she had a "childlike joy and spirit" in the best way. He also recalled how she loved to laugh and how she was quick to laughter, reminiscing about their time on set.
