Kenan Thompson, ‘Buffy’ and ‘Gossip Girl’ Stars Remember Michelle Trachtenberg: ‘Our First Nick Movie Star Has Departed Us’
Tributes from around Hollywood have poured in for “Gossip Girl” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” actor Michelle Trachtenberg, who died at age 39 on Wednesday morning. She was found dead in her New York City apartment, according to police, with the cause of death not yet revealed.
Comedian and former Nickelodeon child star Kenan Thompson shared a video on Instagram of the two of them on Nick, writing: “Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!!” One of Trachtenberg’s first roles was in the Nick series “The Adventures of Pete & Pete.”
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“Sex and the City” actor Kim Cattrall, who acted alongside Trachtenberg in “Ice Princess,” shared a tribute on X, writing: “This is Heartbreaking. So talented, much too young. RIP Sweet Beauty. xo.”
Jame Marsters, who worked with Trachtenberg in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” shared a statement with People, writing: “My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her.”
Another “Buffy” co-star, David Boreanaz, paid his respects, sharing on his Instagram story: “So very sad… horrible news. R.I.P. and prayers to her and her family.”
Trachtenberg’s “Gossip Girl” co-stars have spoken out as well. Ed Westwick, who played Chuck Bass, wrote on his Instagram story: “So sad to hear of the passing of @MichelleTrachtenberg sending prayers.”
Rosie O’Donnell, who worked with Trachtenberg early in her career on 1996’s “Harriet the Spy,” said in a statement to US Weekly: “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
Born in New York City on Oct. 11, 1985, Trachtenberg began her career acting in commercials at the age of three, eventually landing a recurring role in 14 episodes of the kids’ show “The Adventures of Pete & Pete.” Her major breakthrough as an actor came when she played Dawn Summers in 66 episodes of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” after joining the show in its fifth season. She remained on the series until it ended with Season 7 in 2003.
She went on to play Georgina Sparks in 28 episodes of “Gossip Girl,” which ran from 2007 to 2012. Over the years, she also starred in films like “Harriet the Spy” with J. Smith-Cameron, “Mysterious Skin” with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, “Eurotrip” with Matt Damon, “Ice Princess” with Joan Cusack and Hayden Panettiere, “17 Again” with Zac Efron and the 2006 remake of “Black Christmas” with Mary Elizabeth Winstead.
Trachtenberg’s death comes after the recent news that a “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” sequel is nearing a Hulu series pilot order with Sarah Michelle Gellar in final talks. It remains unclear if Trachtenberg was also in talks to return or not.
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