Michelle Trachtenberg: Her Most Memorable Roles

Michelle Trachtenberg, the beloved actress known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39. She was found unresponsive in her New York City apartment early Wednesday morning, according to an NYPD spokesperson. Authorities have stated that her death is not considered suspicious, and the official cause is pending an autopsy report. ABC News reported that she had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have been experiencing complications.

Trachtenberg never publicly disclosed any health concerns, though in January 2024, she responded to speculation about her well-being after posting a selfie on Instagram. She firmly addressed the comments, writing in a follow-up post:

A generation of fans grew up watching Trachtenberg on screen, where she captivated audiences from a young age. She began her career at just three years old, appearing in a detergent commercial, before going on to star in a variety of television shows and films. As fans mourn her passing, many are looking back at her journey from child stardom to her most recent roles.

Trachtenberg’s first credited television role was in Clarissa Explains It All (1993), where she played Ellie, a mischievous child Clarissa was babysitting. She then had a three-episode stint as Lily Montgomery in All My Children, portraying a young girl with autism.

She soon became a fan favorite on The Adventures of Pete & Pete as Nona Mecklenberg, the quirky best friend of Little Pete, known for always wearing a cast—even when she didn’t need one.

In 1996, Trachtenberg took on her first major film role as the lead in Harriet the Spy. She played Harriet M. Welsch, a curious and determined young spy whose notebook of secrets turned her world upside down.

Her big-screen career continued with Inspector Gadget (1999), where she starred as Penny, the brilliant niece and sidekick of the bumbling detective played by Matthew Broderick.

In 2000, Trachtenberg joined Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Buffy. Her character had a mysterious and pivotal introduction, making her a key part of the show’s later seasons.

She surprised audiences with her role in the raunchy comedy EuroTrip (2004), playing Jenny, the twin sister of Jamie, whose sharp insights were often ignored by her brother’s clueless friends.

In Ice Princess (2005), she played Casey Carlyle, a brainy teen torn between academics and her newfound passion for figure skating.

Trachtenberg continued to explore different genres, appearing in the horror remake Black Christmas (2006) and playing Maggie in 17 Again (2009), where she starred as the teenage daughter of Zac Efron's transformed character.

She made a brief but memorable appearance in Take Me Home Tonight (2011) as Ashley, a goth girl who gives Barry a much-needed reality check.

In 2013, she took on a dramatic role as Marina Oswald in Killing Kennedy, bringing depth to her portrayal of Lee Harvey Oswald’s wife. She drew inspiration from her own mother’s Russian heritage to capture the complexity of the character.

One of Trachtenberg’s most iconic roles was Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl, where she played the manipulative and unpredictable socialite. Her return in the show’s reboot, alongside her on-screen son Milo, delighted longtime fans. It would be her final television appearance.

Just last month, Trachtenberg reminisced about her time on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, sharing a nostalgic photo with co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar. She captioned it:

Her passing is a heartbreaking loss for fans and the entertainment industry. As we remember Michelle Trachtenberg, we celebrate the talent, charisma, and unforgettable characters she brought to life on screen.