The actress, best known for her roles in Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has passed away unexpectedly, leaving the entertainment world in shock.
Michelle Trachtenberg was discovered unresponsive by her mother around 8 a.m. on Wednesday, February 26, at One Columbus Place, a luxury high-rise near Central Park in New York City, according to police sources. She was 39.
The NYPD responded to a 911 call reporting an unconscious woman at the residence. In a statement to People, authorities confirmed, “Upon arrival, officers observed a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive. EMS arrived on the scene and pronounced the victim deceased. Criminality is not suspected.”
While an official cause of death has not yet been determined, sources revealed that the actress had recently undergone a liver transplant. The investigation remains ongoing.
Trachtenberg, an award-winning actress with a career spanning over three decades, was widely recognized for her portrayal of Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl and Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Her acting journey began much earlier—she made her television debut at just nine years old on Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete and later rose to fame in the 1996 film Harriet the Spy.
As she transitioned into adult roles, she delivered memorable performances in EuroTrip, 17 Again, and Ice Princess. Most recently, she reprised her role as Georgina Sparks in the 2023 Gossip Girl reboot on Max, which became her final credited role.
In recent years, fans expressed concern over her appearance in Instagram posts where she looked significantly thinner.
Speculation about her health led her to address the comments in January 2024, stating, “I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery.” She assured followers of her well-being and ended her message with a pointed response to those who made negative remarks.
Despite her reassurances, concerns lingered. Her final Instagram post, shared on February 18, 2025, featured a throwback photo with the caption, “Wanted to look like naughty #tinkerbell.”
Beyond her physical appearance, Trachtenberg was also at the center of a professional controversy. In 2021, she publicly accused Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon of misconduct, alleging there was a rule in place preventing him from being alone in a room with her. Whedon denied the allegations.
Born in New York City on October 11, 1985, Trachtenberg grew up in a close-knit family and was often seen at public events with her mother, Lana. Her work in film and television left a lasting impression, making her a cherished figure across multiple generations of fans.
Her passing is a tremendous loss to the entertainment industry, where she was celebrated for her talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends, and admirers during this heartbreaking time.