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Last Updated: February 27, 2025, 07:09 IST
Paramedics pronounced Michelle Trachtenberg dead at the scene. No foul play was suspected, and the New York Medical Examiner is investigating the cause of death.
Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. (Photo: X)
Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles as a child actress in the film “Harriet the Spy” and two iconic television series, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” has reportedly died at the age of 39.
Emergency responders received a 911 call at around 8 a.m. regarding an incident at a luxury residential building in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen. Upon arrival, officers discovered Trachtenberg “unconscious and unresponsive,” according to the New York Police Department.
Paramedics confirmed her death at the scene. Authorities indicated that there seems to be no indication of foul play, and the cause of death is currently under investigation by the New York Medical Examiner.
In a statement, Trachtenberg’s representative, Gary Mantoosh, expressed the family’s request for privacy as they navigate this tragic loss.
Beginning her acting career at age eight, Trachtenberg played Nona Mecklenberg on Nickelodeon’s “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” from 1994 to 1996, followed by notable roles in “Harriet the Spy” and “Inspector Gadget,” where she starred alongside Matthew Broderick.
“Michelle has an authentic charm that makes her relatable to everyone,” remarked Debby Beece, president of Nickelodeon Movies in 1996.
From 2000 to 2003, she portrayed Dawn Summers, the sister of the titular character in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” which significantly impacted her career and fan following.
In 2021, she expressed gratitude towards Sarah Michelle Gellar for speaking out against Joss Whedon, following allegations of misconduct related to the show. During this time, she reflected on her own experiences, hinting at inappropriate behavior she faced as a young actress.
Trachtenberg was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in 2001 for her hosting role on Discovery’s “Truth or Scare” and later enjoyed recurring roles on critically acclaimed series such as “Six Feet Under,” “Weeds,” and “Gossip Girl,” where she gained popularity as the antagonist Georgina Sparks.
In recognition of her performance in “Gossip Girl,” she earned a Teen Choice Award nomination in 2012 for her role as a villain. In interviews, she shared that playing antagonists was more enjoyable than portraying the typical good character, stating, “I love the reactions you get from playing the bad girl.”
Trachtenberg reprised her role in the 2021 reboot of “Gossip Girl,” making memorable guest appearances that delighted her long-time fans.
She also embraced her place in pop culture with a cameo in Fall Out Boy’s music video for “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race,” sharing the screen with Seth Green.
The entertainment community shared their condolences widely on social media, commemorating Trachtenberg’s evolution from child star to a beloved actress. David Boreanaz, her co-star from “Buffy,” expressed his sadness on Instagram, calling the news “horrible.” Melissa Gilbert, who acted alongside her in “A Holiday for Love,” shared heartfelt sentiments on social media, noting the impact of her loss.
Among her varied performances, Trachtenberg featured in “Ice Princess” as a talented figure skater, while the AP described her character as embodying a relatable charm reminiscent of her younger days on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
A native of New York City, she appeared in the teen comedy “EuroTrip” in 2004 and starred with Zac Efron in “17 Again” in 2009, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Notably, she portrayed a dangerous figure in an episode of “Criminal Minds,” broadening her dramatic range.
In the film “Killing Kennedy,” where she played Lee Harvey Oswald’s wife, Trachtenberg showcased her language skills, delivering approximately 80% of her dialogue in Russian, a language she learned in her childhood.
Other notable works included performances in “Mysterious Skin” (2004) and “Black Christmas” (2006). She also starred in the NBC drama series “Mercy” from 2009 to 2010 and recently hosted the true-crime series “Meet, Marry, Murder” on Tubi.
(Associated Press Writer Michael R. Sisak contributed to this report.)
Location: New York, United States of America (USA)
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