Michelle Trachtenberg, ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Gossip Girl’ star, dies at 39
Michelle Trachtenberg, who launched her acting career as a preteen and rose to fame with roles in TV's Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, was found dead Wednesday morning at her New York City apartment. She was 39. According to police sources, there was no sign of foul play and she died of natural causes.
Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant. An autopsy from the medical examiner's office is scheduled.
More from GoldDerby
After beginning her career on Nickelodeon shows like The Adventures of Pete & Pete and Clarissa Explains It All and as in the 1996 comedy Harriet the Spy as the precocious 11-year-old title character, Trachtenberg gained her greatest fame playing Dawn, the younger sister of Sarah Michelle Gellar's titular character, in Buffy over 66 episodes of the WB series from 2000 to 2003. The role earned her a Teen Choice Award nomination. She later portrayed the recurring role of Georgina Sparks on the CW show Gossip Girl from 2008 to 2012.
Trachtenberg also recurred on Six Feet Under and Weeds, among other notable shows, and had roles in the features EuroTrip, Ice Princess, and 17 Again, as well as a two-episode arc on HBO's Gossip Girl reboot in 2022.
In 2021, the New York-born actress made bombshell allegations against Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon regarding the alleged toxic and hostile environment on the set. She revealed that there was a rule in place prohibiting him from being alone with her during filming.
Although her casting had never been confirmed, fans had been hoping Trachtenberg would be among the returning stars for Hulu's Buffy reboot starring Gellar and being helmed by Chloé Zhao.
Last year, Trachtenberg took to social media to speak out against "haters" remarking on her appearance. “I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters,” she wrote. In another she said: “Explain to me how I look sick. Did you lose a calendar and not realize I’m not 14. I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment.”
Best of GoldDerby
Sign up for Gold Derby's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.