Michelle Trachtenberg, star of 'Gossip Girl' and 'Harriet the Spy,' passes away at 39
Michelle Trachtenberg, celebrated for her roles in "Harriet the Spy" and "Gossip Girl," was found deceased in her Manhattan residence at 39. Her recent liver transplant and subsequent complications are believed to have contributed to her untimely passing.
The entertainment industry mourns the loss of Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress renowned for her roles in "Harriet the Spy," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," and "Gossip Girl." She was found unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment on February 26, 2025, at the age of 39. Authorities have stated that her death is not being treated as suspicious.
In the months leading up to her passing, Trachtenberg's social media activity drew concern from fans. She addressed criticisms about her appearance, asserting her health and happiness. Despite her reassurances, her final posts hinted at personal struggles, with one caption reading, "The warmth before the storm."
Michelle Trachtenberg, of 'Buffy' and 'Gossip Girl' fame, dies at 39. Photo: UPI.
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How was her career?
Born on October 11, 1985, in New York City, Michelle Trachtenberg began her acting career at a young age. She gained prominence as the main character in the 1996 film "Harriet the Spy," showcasing her talent and setting the stage for future roles. Trachtenberg's portrayal of Dawn Summers in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" solidified her status in the entertainment world.
She further expanded her repertoire by taking on the role of Georgina Sparks in the popular series "Gossip Girl," captivating audiences with her dynamic performances. Michelle Trachtenberg's diverse body of work, spanning film and television, has left an indelible mark on the industry. Her ability to embody a wide range of characters endeared her to fans worldwide.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/michelle-trachtenberg-leighton-meester-gossip-girl-022625-cb664b007afe42efa7795ff32871a3c8.jpg "Michelle Trachtenberg dead: 'Gossip Girl,' 'Buffy' star was 39. Photo: Entertaintment Weekly.")
Michelle Trachtenberg dead: 'Gossip Girl,' 'Buffy' star was 39. Photo: Entertaintment Weekly.
Recent Michelle’s health concerns
Reports indicate that Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have been experiencing complications related to the procedure. Despite public speculation about her health, she maintained a positive outlook, engaging with her followers and dismissing unfounded rumors. As investigations into her untimely death continue, the entertainment community reflects on her contributions and mourns the loss of a talented actress gone too soon.
About the tragic decease, police responded to a 911 call on Wednesday just after 8 a.m. local time, and found a woman unconscious and unresponsive inside a Manhattan apartment. She was later identified as Trachtenberg, according to an NYPD spokesperson. As mentioned, Trachtenberg had posted a series of troubling photos in recent months on Instagram, where the award-winning actress has 800,000 followers, in which she appeared gaunt and frail, prompting some fans to comment about her startling weight loss or ask if she was on drugs. Last January, Trachtenberg responded to fan concerns, saying she was “happy and healthy” and had never had plastic surgery.