Michelle Trachtenberg, Star of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Gossip Girl,' Dies at 39
Michelle Trachtenberg, the beloved actress known for her roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Gossip Girl,” and “Harriet the Spy,” has died at the age of 39. She was found unresponsive in her luxury apartment at One Columbus Place in Manhattan’s Central Park South neighborhood on the morning of February 26, 2025. Her mother discovered her body around 8 a.m., and emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed her death was due to natural causes and is not being treated as suspicious.
Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant, and sources suggest her body may have rejected the organ, though the official cause of death has yet to be determined by the medical examiner. In recent months, fans had expressed concern over her health after she posted photos on social media showing a gaunt and frail appearance. Despite these concerns, Trachtenberg had publicly denied any health issues, stating she was “happy and healthy” and had never undergone plastic surgery.
Born in New York City on October 11, 1985, Trachtenberg began her acting career at a young age, starring in Nickelodeon’s “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” and later gaining fame as the titular character in the 1996 film “Harriet the Spy.” She went on to play Dawn Summers in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and the manipulative Georgina Sparks in “Gossip Girl.” Her career also included roles in films like “EuroTrip” and “Ice Princess.”
Her final Instagram post, shared a week before her death, featured a photo of her in a green dress with the caption, “I wanted to look like naughty #tinkerbell.” Tributes poured in from co-stars and fans, including Rosie O’Donnell, who hinted that Trachtenberg had “struggled” in recent years, and David Boreanaz, who expressed his sadness on social media.
Trachtenberg is survived by her longtime boyfriend, talent agent Jay Cohen. Her family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Exclusive | Michelle Trachtenberg dead at 39 — former ‘Gossip Girl,’ ‘Harriet the Spy’ star recently underwent liver transplant
Trachtenberg starred in a variety of kid-oriented movies and shows, making her film debut in 1996’s “Harriet the Spy.”
nypost.com
Michelle Trachtenberg, ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ actress, dead at 39
Sources told The Post Wednesday that the actress’s death is not being investigated as suspicious.
pagesix.com
Actress Michelle Trachtenberg found dead in luxury Midtown apartment | amNewYork
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg was found dead inside of her Midtown apartment.
www.amny.com
Who was Michelle Trachtenberg? ‘Gossip Girl’ actor dies at 39
Michelle Trachtenberg, the actor who played Georgina Sparks in ‘Gossip Girl,’ has died. The 39-year-old recently underwent a liver transplant, NYPost
www.hindustantimes.com
Michelle Trachtenberg Dead at Age 39
‘Gossip Girl’ star Michelle Trachtenberg died at age 39
www.usmagazine.com
Michelle Trachtenberg, star of Buffy, Gossip Girl and Ice Princess, dies at 39
The ‘Harriet the Spy’ star’s cause of death is not yet known
www.independent.co.uk