Michelle Trachtenberg, Star of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Gossip Girl,’ Dies at 39

Michelle Trachtenberg, Star of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Gossip Girl," Passes Away at 39

New York – Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress celebrated for her roles in hit TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39, according to reports from U.S. media outlets.

Authorities confirmed that officers responded to an emergency call early Wednesday morning at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time (1300 GMT). Upon arrival at her Manhattan residence, they found Trachtenberg unconscious and unresponsive. Despite immediate medical attention, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Law enforcement officials stated that foul play is not suspected, though no cause of death has been provided.

According to sources cited by ABC News, the actress had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have been dealing with post-surgical complications.

From Child Star to Hollywood Fixture

Born and raised in New York, Trachtenberg embarked on her acting journey at a young age. She gained early recognition for her leading role in the 1996 film Harriet the Spy, starring alongside Rosie O’Donnell. Her career further blossomed with appearances on Nickelodeon, most notably in The Adventures of Pete & Pete.

However, her true breakout moment came when she joined Buffy the Vampire Slayer in 2000, portraying Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Buffy, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar. She remained a mainstay on the show until its conclusion in 2003.

Following her success in the supernatural drama, Trachtenberg took on the role of Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl, a character known for stirring chaos in the lives of Manhattan’s elite. She appeared on the show from 2008 to 2012, acting alongside stars like Blake Lively, Penn Badgley, and Leighton Meester.

Her film career included notable performances in EuroTrip, 17 Again, and The Scribbler. She also made guest appearances in shows like Weeds and Mercy. In 2022, she reprised her Gossip Girl role in the series' reboot, marking her final on-screen credit.

Trachtenberg’s passing has left fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a talented actress whose performances spanned generations.