Michelle Trachtenberg, the talented actress known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has sadly passed away at the age of 39. She was found unresponsive in her New York City apartment on February 26, 2025. While the official cause of death has not been determined, authorities have ruled out foul play. Her family has opted not to pursue an autopsy for religious reasons.
Born on October 11, 1985, in New York City, Trachtenberg began her acting career at a young age. She gained recognition with roles in Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete and the 1996 film Harriet the Spy. Michelle Trachtenberg’s career soared when she joined the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer in 2000 as Dawn Summers, Buffy’s younger sister.
Her performance earned her critical acclaim and a Teen Choice Award nomination. She later captivated audiences with her role as Georgina Sparks on The CW’s hit series Gossip Girl, a character she reprised in HBO Max’s reboot from 2022 to 2023. In addition to her television success, Michelle Trachtenberg appeared in films such as EuroTrip, 17 Again, and Mysterious Skin.
Michelle Trachtenberg’s passing has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and among fans worldwide. Tributes from her co-stars have highlighted her vibrant personality and immense talent. Sarah Michelle Gellar, who starred alongside her in Buffy, shared a heartfelt Instagram post, calling Michelle Trachtenberg “a light that brightened every room.” Blake Lively and Chace Crawford from Gossip Girl also expressed their condolences, remembering her as “funny, magnetic, and full of life.”
