Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer,’ has died at the age of 39 on February 26, according to the New York City Police District (NYPD).
Trachtenberg’s mother discovered her unconscious and unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment shortly after 8 a.m. Emergency Medical Services and police swiftly responded to the 911 call, but unfortunately pronounced the actress deceased.
NYPD clarified, “Criminality is not suspected.” However, the investigation is still underway regarding the incident. Trachtenberg’s official cause of death will be disclosed by the Medical Examiner’s office.
NYPD reported that the actress had a recent medical issue which led them to conclude that her death was not suspicious. It could be recalled that the actress underwent liver transplant sometime last year. Sources suspected that her body might have not responded well to the organ, which led to the deterioration of her health and she died of natural causes.
Trachtenberg’s representative confirmed her death to the public, “The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time.”
Trachtenberg will be remembered for her works within the industry even during her early days as a child actress who lightened up the air with her comedic timings and impeccable humor throughout her various Nickelodeon shows in the 90s. She first caught viewers’ attention with the series ‘The Adventures of Pete & Pete,’ and quickly followed through with a lead role for Nickelodeon’s first feature film, ‘Harriet the Spy.’
In 2001, Trachtenberg was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for hosting the reality series ‘Truth or Scare.’ Her career furthered with recurring roles for various shows, ‘Six Feet Under,’ ‘Weeds,’ and her iconic portrayal of Georgina Sparks in ‘Gossip Girl.’Trachtenberg reprised the said character as a guest for the 2021 revival of ‘Gossip Girl.’
Many of Trachtenberg’s colleagues within the industry penned a heartfelt tribute in memory of the actress.
Her ‘Gossip Girl’ co-stars did not miss the chance to share their farewells for Trachtenberg via Instagram.
Chase Crawford reminisced about their times spent on set and described the actress as “one of a kind.”
View this post on Instagram
In an Instagram story, Blake Lively extensively looked back on her memories with the actress and praised her co-star for her dedication to their craft but also her warm camaraderie with the people around her. Lively shared that the featured photo dated way back on their first day on the ‘Gossip Girl’ set.
Trachtenberg’s fellow Nickelodeon alum, Kenan Thompson shared a short video clip and a photo of him and the actress, with a caption “Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests.” Following the sudden death of the actress, Thompson reminded followers to always check on their loved ones.
View this post on Instagram
Many other of Trachtenberg’s co-stars and colleagues had expressed via social media their memories of the actress, a testament to how she left an impact not only on television, but also a person who was loved by the people around her.
Fans also took to X to reminisce about the actress’s legacy following the news.
michelle trachtenberg, our ice princess forever 🤍
pic.twitter.com/GtJOznRNDp— ana (@literatiloverr) February 26, 2025
RIP michelle trachtenberg.
you were always an angel. pic.twitter.com/V1QXBelzva— bearwiitch (@bearwiitch) February 26, 2025
rest in peace Michelle Trachtenberg, forever our ice princess 🩵 pic.twitter.com/jBZ8UcUGSv
— nostalgia (@whyrev) February 26, 2025
michelle trachtenberg you will always be iconic pic.twitter.com/UGyLT4iqXl
— 2000s (@PopCulture2000s) February 26, 2025
michelle trachtenberg thankyou for giving us one of the most iconic female characters of all times. gossip girl would've been nothing without you pic.twitter.com/0FKAiV8WgV
— ❄️ (@A_StarsandSeas) February 26, 2025
Trachtenberg’s last few posts on social media reminisced about her previous red-carpet looks throughout the span of her career. Her comments section was rained by appreciation from her fans and followers who were just as devastated to hear of her passing.
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