Michelle Trachtenberg, a renowned actress celebrated for her memorable performances in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” was found dead in her Manhattan, New York, apartment on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Police have reported that her mother discovered her body at approximately 8 a.m.
Trachtenberg started her acting career as a child and gained fame through her roles in popular films and television series like “Harriet the Spy,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and “Gossip Girl.” Her untimely death has resulted in an influx of tributes from former colleagues and friends within the entertainment industry.
Sources close to Trachtenberg have indicated that complications from a recent liver transplant may have resulted in her death, as reported by the ABC affiliate KFSN. Authorities do not suspect foul play.
On the day of her death, forensic vehicles and a government van were seen outside Trachtenberg’s upscale Manhattan high-rise near Central Park. The actress was last seen in public the previous Thursday, dining with friends at Sartiano’s, an Italian eatery in New York City.
In the days leading up to her death, Trachtenberg was active on social media, sharing selfies and nostalgic photos that raised concerns among her followers. Her final post was a selfie with the caption “the warmth before the storm,” which led to worried comments from fans about her physical appearance and overall health.
The New York City Chief Medical Examiner’s Office announced that both the cause and manner of Trachtenberg’s death remain undetermined, as confirmed in a statement provided to USA TODAY.
A ruling of “undetermined” indicates either a lack of sufficient information to ascertain the cause of death or conflicting evidence that equally supports or contradicts a particular manner of death, such as natural causes or an accident.
The Medical Examiner’s Office respected the family’s decision to decline an autopsy.
Trachtenberg, born in New York City in 1985, was the daughter of Michael, a German immigrant, and Lana, a Russian immigrant. She spent her childhood between Los Angeles, California, and New York, living with her mother and sister Irene in Tarzana, a suburb of Los Angeles, while her father resided in Brooklyn, New York.
At just three years old, Trachtenberg began her acting career on Nickelodeon. She quickly landed significant roles, starring as Nona Mecklenberg in “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” and the title character in the 1996 film “Harriet the Spy.” She gained mainstream recognition when she joined “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Sarah Michelle Gellar’s character.
Trachtenberg further gained prominence for her role as the cunning socialite Georgina Sparks on “Gossip Girl” from 2008 to 2012. She reprised this role in the series reboot in 2022-2023. Over her career, which included over 62 films and television shows, she also appeared in “EuroTrip,” “Ice Princess,” and “17 Again.”
Following her death, many friends and former colleagues shared their sorrow. Rosie O’Donnell, who co-starred with Trachtenberg in “Harriet the Spy,” expressed her grief, saying, “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped,” as reported by People.
Kim Cattrall, Trachtenberg’s co-star in the 2005 film “Ice Princess,” posted a photo from the set with the caption, “Rest in peace sweet Michelle.”
Ed Westwick, known for his role as Chuck Bass on “Gossip Girl,” and David Boreanaz, Trachtenberg’s co-star in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” both expressed their sadness and offered prayers on social media. James Marsters, another “Buffy” co-star, described Trachtenberg as a “fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person” who died “much too young.”
Trachtenberg was described by “Gossip Girl” creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage as a “delight to have on set,” and her portrayal of Georgina Sparks was termed an “iconic fan-favorite.” Nickelodeon star Kenan Thompson and Melissa Joan Hart, Trachtenberg’s co-star on “Clarissa Explains It All,” also shared heartfelt messages of farewell.
In a 2020 interview with Collider, Trachtenberg discussed the challenges of breaking into the acting industry as a first-generation American. She recounted her love for acting from an early age, often favoring auditions over playdates. She expressed her enduring passion for acting in the same interview, stating, “I love what I do. As long as I have that feeling, then I’m gonna stick to it.”
During her career, Trachtenberg received several nominations for her performances, including Teen Choice Awards for her roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” as well as a Young Artist Award and Saturn Award for “Buffy.”
Although less active in recent years, Trachtenberg maintained a strong social media presence, engaging with fans. In 2020, she assured her followers that she was “happy and healthy” in response to concerns about her appearance.
Trachtenberg was reportedly in a relationship with her talent agent Jay Cohen, according to Us Weekly in 2020. Cohen shared a photo of Trachtenberg as his Valentine in 2023, but their relationship status at the time of her death is unclear.
Trachtenberg’s death has had a profound impact, particularly on millennials who grew up watching her in iconic TV shows and films. Her diverse and memorable roles have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and her dedicated fanbase.
