Michelle Trachtenberg, the former child star beloved for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Harriet the Spy, and Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39. Sources confirmed that Trachtenberg was found by her mother at approximately 8 a.m. on Wednesday at One Columbus Place, a luxury apartment complex in Manhattan’s Central Park South neighborhood.
Michelle Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant within the last year, and sources suggest her body may have rejected the organ. While her death is currently ruled as natural causes, the city medical examiner will officially determine the cause. The NYPD confirmed that Michelle Trachtenberg was found “unconscious and unresponsive” and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. Authorities have stated that there is no suspicion of foul play.
In recent months, Michelle Trachtenberg had posted several concerning photos to Instagram, in which she appeared noticeably frail. Fans speculated about her health, with some pointing out the yellow tint in her eyes—potentially a sign of liver complications. Despite these concerns, Michelle Trachtenberg had assured followers in January 2024 that she was “happy and healthy.”
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Born in New York City on October 11, 1985, and raised in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, Michelle Trachtenberg began her acting career at a young age. She made her TV debut at just nine years old on Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete and Pete before landing the lead role in Harriet the Spy (1996). As she grew up, she transitioned into more mature roles, most notably playing Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the scheming Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl.
In 2021, Michelle Trachtenberg made headlines when she accused Buffy creator Joss Whedon of inappropriate behavior on set. She alleged that there was a “rule” in place preventing Joss Whedon from being alone with her during filming, though he later denied the accusations.
Following news of her passing, many of Michelle Trachtenberg’s former colleagues took to social media to share their grief. Gossip Girl co-star Ed Westwick posted a tribute on his Instagram stories featuring a photo of her as Georgina Sparks, while actress Kim Cattrall, who starred alongside her in Ice Princess, wrote, “Rest in peace sweet Michelle,” alongside a broken heart emoji.
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Rosie O’Donnell, who worked with Michelle Trachtenberg in Harriet the Spy, shared her condolences, cryptically stating that the actress had “struggled” in recent years.
Michelle Trachtenberg was in a long-term relationship with talent agent and producer Jay Cohen, head of film finance and distribution at Gersh, one of Hollywood’s leading agencies. They had been linked since 2020. Cohen has two adult daughters from a previous relationship.
Despite her struggles in recent years, Michelle Trachtenberg leaves behind a remarkable legacy in Hollywood. From her early days as a Nickelodeon star to her scene-stealing performances in major TV dramas, she was a talent remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike.
As tributes continue to pour in, the entertainment world mourns the loss of a star who left an indelible mark on both television and film.
