Hollywood is mourning the loss of Michelle Trachtenberg, beloved actress and former child star, who passed away at the age of 39.
The cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the iconic ’90s television series that cemented Trachtenberg’s status as a household name, has shared heartfelt tributes, remembering her talent, humor, and presence on set.
James Marsters, who portrayed the fan-favorite vampire Spike, expressed his sorrow on Instagram, calling Trachtenberg a “beautiful soul,” “fiercely intelligent,” and “howlingly funny.” He added, “She died much too young and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her.” Marsters extended his condolences to her family and asked for privacy during this difficult time. “Godspeed, Michelle. You are missed,” he concluded.
Alyson Hannigan, known for her role as Willow Rosenberg, reflected on Trachtenberg’s presence on the Buffy set, sharing on Instagram, “She brought a loving energy to our cast. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends.”
David Boreanaz, who played Angel, posted a brief yet heartfelt message on his Instagram Story, calling the news “very sad” and “horrible.”
Emma Caulfield, who portrayed Anya Jenkins, described Trachtenberg as a “bright light” and the “little sister” of their Buffy family. “Rest in peace, lovely Mish Mish. You were loved,” she wrote in an emotional Instagram Story, following up with another post simply reading, “Sleep well, Michelle.”
As tributes continue to pour in, new details have emerged regarding Trachtenberg’s passing. She was found unresponsive by her mother, Lana Trachtenberg, at One Columbus Place, a luxury high-rise near Central Park in New York City, on the morning of February 26.
The NYPD responded to a 911 call reporting an unconscious female. In a statement to People, officials confirmed, “Upon arrival, officers observed a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive. EMS responded to the location and pronounced the victim deceased. Criminality is not suspected.”
The exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but sources indicate that the actress had recently undergone a liver transplant. The investigation remains ongoing.
Just days before her passing, on February 18, Trachtenberg shared her final Instagram post—a throwback photo in a green dress with the caption, “I wanted to look like naughty #tinkerbell 💚 #throwback ⚡️.” The post has since been flooded with messages from fans mourning her loss.
Trachtenberg’s longtime boyfriend, talent agent Jay Cohen, was seen at her family’s home in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, as reported by Daily Mail. Visibly emotional, Cohen told reporters that the family would “not be commenting on the tragedy.” His presence suggests that he and Trachtenberg were still together at the time of her passing, as they were first linked in 2020.
Born in New York City on October 11, 1985, Michelle Trachtenberg had a career spanning over three decades. She was best known for her roles as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl. She first rose to fame as the star of Harriet the Spy in 1996 and later appeared in EuroTrip, Ice Princess, and 17 Again.
In recent years, fans had expressed concern over her appearance, with some noting her noticeably thinner frame in social media posts. Addressing speculation in January 2024, she wrote, “I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery.” She reassured fans of her well-being before criticizing the negative remarks.
Aside from her acting career, Trachtenberg made headlines in 2021 when she accused Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon of mistreatment on set, claiming there was a “rule” that he was not allowed to be alone with her. Whedon later denied the accusations.
Her passing marks a significant loss for the entertainment industry. Known for her versatility, charm, and dedication to her craft, Trachtenberg leaves behind a legacy that spans generations.
Our thoughts go out to her family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.