'Buffy' actor dies at 39
The actor known for roles in series including 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Gossip Girl' has died.
Michelle Trachtenberg, the actor known for roles in series including 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Gossip Girl,' has died at the age of 39.
Our hearts are heavy to learn of the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her beloved roles in ‘Harriet the Spy,’ ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer,’ ’Ice Princess,’ and more. We’re keeping our thoughts with her loved ones during this time. pic.twitter.com/03oSAJsCme
— MTV (@MTV) February 26, 2025
Police said officers responded to an emergency call just after 8:00 a.m. local time (1300 GMT) on Wednesday, The New York Times reported, where they found her in her Manhattan apartment, unconscious and unresponsive.
Emergency medical workers pronounced her dead without giving a cause. Police said foul play was not suspected.
READ: Woman pleads guilty to plot to sell Elvis's Graceland estate
Citing anonymous sources, ABC News reported that the actor had recently undergone a liver transplant and was possibly experiencing complications.
A New York native, Trachtenberg began her career as a child star, with roles including the titular character in the 1996 film 'Harriet the Spy,' in which she starred alongside Rosie O'Donnell.
She also had credits on the Nickelodeon kids' network, including the television series 'The Adventures of Pete & Pete.'
Her big break came on 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' where she played Dawn, the younger sister of Sarah Michelle Gellar's leading character.
She acted on that show from 2000 to 2003.
Trachtenberg later starred as the socialite villain Georgina Sparks on the hit show 'Gossip Girl' from 2008 to 2012, alongside co-stars Blake Lively, Penn Badgley, and Leighton Meester.
READ: List of 31st Screen Actors Guild Award winners
Her other film roles included 'EuroTrip,' '17 Again,' and 'The Scribbler.'
Trachtenberg made a number of cameos on television shows, including 'Weeds' and 'Mercy,' and appeared in the 'Gossip Girl' reboot in 2022, which is listed as her final acting credit.
"Goodbye, Harriet the Spy."
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 26, 2025
Rest in Peace Michelle Trachtenberg pic.twitter.com/wiYCerFosZ
Tune in to the 'Breakfast with Martin Bester', weekdays from 06:00 – 09:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media:
Image: X/ Screenshot