Sarah Michelle Gellar has paid tribute to her Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, who has died aged 39.
Gossip Girl actor Trachtenberg, who starred in a myriad of 90s and 2000s TV shows and movies, was reportedly found dead by her mother in her New York City apartment near Central Park on February 26.
The actor played Buffy’s sister Dawn in later seasons of the hit show and, on Thursday (27 February), Gellar memorialised her by modifying a famous line of dialogue from an episode of the series, in which Buffy urged Dawn to flourish in life as she prepared to sacrifice her own.
“Michelle, listen to me,” Gellar wrote. “Listen. I love you. I will always love you. The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you.”
Gellar also added a key emoji in reference to Trachtenberg’s character on the show. Shortly after arriving in the series, Dawn was revealed to be the human form of a mythical key with the power to unlock another dimension.
The NYPD confirmed they found Trachtenberg “unconscious and unresponsive” and she was pronounced dead by emergency medical workers.
Her cause of death is not yet known, though police are not treating it as suspicious, sources told the New York Post. The New York Medical Examiner is investigating the cause of death,
The actor’s untimely death has sent shockwaves among millennials, who grew up watching her in several iconic titles, including the 2005 sports movie Ice Princess, the 1996 family comedy Harriet the Spy and the 2009 Zac Efron-led comedy fantasy 17 Again.
More of Trachtenberg’s former co-stars, including Blake Lively and Ed Westwick (Gossip Girl), Kim Cattrall (Ice Princess) and Rosie O’Donnell (Harriet the Spy), have reacted to the “heartbreaking” news of her passing.
Key Points
- Michelle Trachtenberg dead: Ice Princess and Gossip Girl actor was 39
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer star sparked health concerns last year
- Rosie O’Donnell claims Harriet the Spy co-star Michelle Trachtenberg ‘struggled’ before her death
- NYPD confirms investigation into Trachtenberg's death 'remains ongoing'
Blake Lively mourns ‘fiercely loyal’ Gossip Girl co-star Michelle Trachtenberg: ‘She was electricity’
09:00 , Greg EvansBlake Lively shared a moving tribute to her Gossip Girl co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, who died on Wednesday aged 39.
Trachtenberg played the antagonist Georgina Sparks to Lively’s Serena van der Woodsen in the CW teen drama and returned to the series several times during its six-season run between 2007 and 2012.
Remembering Trachtenberg’s dedication towards her work and community, Lively mourned her “big and bold” personality.
Blake Lively mourns ‘fiercely loyal’ Gossip Girl co-star Michelle Trachtenberg
Joshua Safran pays tribute
08:37 , Greg EvansSafran who was a producer and wrote Gossip Girl, posted a tribute to Trachtenberg on X/Twitter. He wrote: “It was an honour and joy to write for Michelle for so many years. Writers don't write specific characters on shows, even though many people believe they do. (How many times have I been asked "who wrote Blair?" The answer is: everyone!)
“However: Georgina unlocked something in me in which writing her was the easiest thing I'd done. It was partially the character: devious, delicious, direct -- the most fun to write. But it was also Michelle. She had such a clear voice as an actor. You heard her as you typed.
“You knew she'd make each line rougher, more real, much funnier -- and that made the writing better. She was an inspiration and an icon. There's many reasons GG1 caught fire when we came back from the strike, but one of the biggest was the intro of her arc. The injection of *her.*
“Long live Georgina Sparks, and the brilliant woman who gave her the fire. You will be forever missed. xoxo“
Melissa Joan Hart 'heartbroken' by death of 'Clarissa' co-star
08:00 , Kevin Perry
Clarissa Explains It All star Melissa Joan Hart shared a clip from the show on Instagram showing her and Trachtenberg appearing together in a 1992 episode.
"I'm heartbroken to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg!!" Hart wrote. "So young, so talented and so sweet! Here is a fun scene from when she was on #ClarissaExplainsItAll. I think this was about 1992 and the episode was an idea I had about babysitting a total nightmare."
She continued: "But Michelle was nothing like her character and even this young, we got along wonderfully."
Alyson Hannigan 'deeply saddened' by Trachtenberg's death
07:00 , Kevin Perry
Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow, wrote on her Instagram: “I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing. She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends.”
Rosie O’Donnell says Trachtenberg ‘struggled’ before her death
06:00 , Kevin PerryRosie O’Donnell has claimed her Harriet the Spy co-star Michelle Trachtenberg was “struggling” before her death. Read more here:
Rosie O’Donnell claims Michelle Trachtenberg ‘struggled’ before her death
Blake Lively mourns ‘fiercely loyal’ Gossip Girl co-star Michelle Trachtenberg: ‘She was electricity’
04:50 , Shahana YasminBlake Lively shared a moving tribute to her Gossip Girl co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, who died on Wednesday aged 39.
Trachtenberg played the antagonist Georgina Sparks to Lively’s Serena van der Woodsen in the CW teen drama and returned to the series several times during its six-season run between 2007 and 2012.
Remembering Trachtenberg’s dedication towards her work and community, Lively mourned her “big and bold” personality.
“This is the first day I met Michelle,” Lively wrote on her Instagram stories, alongside a picture of the two from Gossip Girl.
Blake Lively mourns ‘fiercely loyal’ Gossip Girl co-star Michelle Trachtenberg
Emma Caulfield remembers Trachtenberg as a 'bright light'
04:01 , Inga ParkelEmma Caulfield has reacted to Trachtenberg’s death, saying the Buffy Family has “lost a little sister.”
“I’m so sorry your bright light died so young,” said Caulfield, who starred as former demon Anya Jenkins in the hit drama series. “Rest in peace lovely Mish Mish. You are loved.”
Blake Lively mourns loss of 'fiercely loyal' Trachtenberg
03:25 , Shahana YasminGossip Girl alum Blake Lively posted a moving tribute to Trachtenberg, writing that “the world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle”.
“This is the first day I met Michelle,” Lively wrote, with a picture of her and Trachtenberg on the set of Gossip Girl.
“She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%. She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke, she faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself.
“And she always had yummy caramel smelling lip gloss because she didn’t just want to sparkle on camera, she liked creating a nice experience for anyone who was in her orbit, even down to the subtle smell of her lip gloss because she cared about the sweet details.”
WATCH: Resurfaced 1996 Michelle Trachtenberg and Rosie O’Donnell interview
02:00 , Inga ParkelJames Marsters pens heartfelt tribute to 'fiercely intelligent' Trachtenberg
01:00 , Inga ParkelJames Marsters, who played British punk vampire Spike in Buffy, penned an emotional tribute to his former co-star.
“My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her,” he wrote.
“My heart goes out to her family who are good people, and are suffering the greatest loss anyone could bear. I hope everyone can give them space to heal in this most difficult time,” Marsters concluded. “Godspeed Michelle. You are missed.”
He also included an old selfie of the two of them.
Melissa Gilbert says her 'heart aches'
00:00 , Inga ParkelMelissa Gilbert, who portrayed Trachtenberg’s mother in the 1996 TV film A Holiday for Love wrote that her “heart aches” for the Gossip Girl star’s “family and all those who loved you so.”
“Oh Michy…and we lived so close to one another,” Gilbert added.
Buffy star David Boreanaz reacts to 'horrible' news
Wednesday 26 February 2025 23:30 , Inga ParkelResharing an article about Trachtenberg’s passing on his Instagram Story, Buffy star David Boreanz wrote: “So very sad... horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family.”
NYPD confirms investigation into Trachtenberg's death 'remains ongoing'
Wednesday 26 February 2025 23:02 , Inga ParkelThe NYPD has confirmed to the BBC that an investigation into Trachtenberg’s death “remains ongoing.”
However, it’s clarified that “criminality is not suspected. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.”
Trachtenberg was found Wednesday morning "unconscious and unresponsive” in her New York City apartment. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Melissa Joan Hart shares old clip from Trachtemberg's guest appearance on 'Clarissa Explains It All'
Wednesday 26 February 2025 23:00 , Inga ParkelMelissa Joan Hart has on Instagram shared an old clip of a young Trachtenberg on the nineties sitcom Clarisse Explains It All.
“I'm heartbroken to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg!! So young, so talented and so sweet! Here is a fun scene from when she was on #ClarissaExplainsItAll,” wrote Hart, who led the Nickelodeon series. “I think this was about 1992 and the episode was an idea I had about babysitting a total nightmare. But Michelle was nothing like her character and even this young, we got along wonderfully.”
Trachtenberg was just eight years old when she guest-starred as Elsie Soaperstein in a 1993 episode of the series.
Rosie O’Donnell claims Harriet the Spy co-star Michelle Trachtenberg ‘struggled’ before her death
Wednesday 26 February 2025 22:56 , Inga ParkelRosie O’Donnell has claimed that her former co-star Michelle Trachtenberg was “struggling” before her death.
The 62-year-old issued a statement about Trachtenberg on Wednesday, hours after the 39-year-old was found dead in her New York City apartment. O’Donnell acknowledged how “heartbreaking” it was to hear about the passing of the Gossip Girl alum.
“I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped,” she added in her statement, shared with People.
Read more:
Rosie O’Donnell claims Harriet the Spy co-star Michelle Trachtenberg ‘struggled’ before her death
Alyson Hannigan 'deeply saddened' by Trachtenberg's death
Wednesday 26 February 2025 22:54 , Inga ParkelBuffy star Alyson Hannigan has also posted in honor of Trachtenberg.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing. She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends,” Hannigan wrote on Instagram.
Trachtenberg's ex-boyfriend Shawn Ashmore shares heartfelt post
Wednesday 26 February 2025 22:30 , Inga ParkelTrachtenberg’s ex-boyfriend, X-Men actor Shawn Ashmore, has remembered her as being “loving and quirky,” in a heartfelt Instagram post.
Ashmore, whom Trachtenberg dated between 2004 and 2006, shared a throwback photo of the two of them at a movie premiere, writing: "Incredibly sad to hear about Michelle’s passing.
"She was an incredible person and I will always remember the years we spent together fondly. She was loving, quirky and would never pass up a law and order SVU marathon:)",” he added. “My condolences to her mother Lana and sister Irene! This is an incredible loss!”
Kim Cattrall honors Trachtenberg in sweet Instagram tribute
Wednesday 26 February 2025 22:02 , Inga ParkelKim Cattrall has paid tribute to Trachtenberg, whom she co-starred with in Disney’s 2005 sports movie Ice Princess.
“Rest in peace sweet Michele [broken heart emoji],” the Sex and the City star wrote alongside an old picture of the two of them from the film.
Trachtenberg led the family classic as Casey, an aspiring professional figure skater. Cattrall portrayed Tina, the mother of Casey’s rival, who later becomes a coach to Casey.
Trachtenberg remembered as 'funny' and 'kind' by Gossip Girl creators
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:38 , Inga Parkel“We are deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing,” Gossip Girl creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage expressed in a statement to NBC News. “Michelle was so funny, kind, and talented. Her portrayal of Georgina Sparks was an iconic fan favorite, and grew from a one season villain to a beloved character who returned over the course of six seasons.”
Kenan Thompson says 'our first Nick movie star has departed us'
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:20 , Kevin Perry
Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson paid tribute to Trachtenburg on Instagram, writing: “Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! 🙏🏾 Check on your people!!!”
VIDEO: Buffy and Gossip Girl actor Michelle Trachtenburg dead
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:00 , Inga ParkelRosie O'Donnell claims Trachtenberg 'struggled' before her death
Wednesday 26 February 2025 19:38Rosie O’Donnell, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in the 1996 family comedy Harriet the Spy, has shared a statement with US Weekly.
Calling Trachtenberg’s death “heartbreaking,” O’Donnell said: “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish could have helped.”
Trachtenberg was only 10 years old when she starred in Harriet the Spy. Her role as the titular school-age wannabe spy marked her movie acting debut.
O’Donnell portrayed Ole Golly, Harriet’s whimsical nanny.
Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick 'saddened' by death of former co-star
Wednesday 26 February 2025 19:22 , Inga ParkelMichelle Trachtenberg’s Gossip Girl co-star Ed Westwick has reacted to the news of her untimely passing.
Westwick, 37, who starred as Chuck Bass in the seminal teen drama, shared an old picture of Trachtenberg in costume as her Gossip Girl character Georgina Sparks to his Instagram Story.
“So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg sending prayers [praying hands and white heart emoji],” he wrote.
Michelle Trachtenberg sparked health concerns last year
Wednesday 26 February 2025 19:07 , Inga ParkelIn January 2024, Michelle Trachtenberg posted a selfie on Instagram, prompting widespread concern among fans about her health.
“These kids….now adults getting our roots/hair done! Love this girl,” she wrote in the caption of the post, alongside a picture of her and Spy Kids star Alexa PenaVega at the salon.
Afterward, the comment section was bombarded with users questioning her appearance. “Michelle you look sick. Are you okay?” one asked.
“Explain to me how I look sick. Did you lose a calendar and not realize I’m not 14. I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment,” she responded at the time.
In a later post, she assured fans that she was “happy and healthy.”
Read more:
Michelle Trachtenberg hits back at criticism over her appearance: ‘This is my face’
‘Explain to me how I look sick. Did you lose a calendar and not realise I’m not 14. I’m 38,’ actor wrote on Instagram
Michelle Trachtenberg's latest Instagram activity before her death
Wednesday 26 February 2025 18:49In the weeks leading up to her death, Trachtenberg reminisced about some of her favorite red carpet looks on Instagram.
Her final post — made a week before her death — was an old photo of her at the 2013 premiere of National Geographic Channel's Killing Kennedy, in which she starred as Marina Oswald.
“I wanted to look like naughty,” she wrote in the caption.
Michelle Trachtenberg cause of death
Wednesday 26 February 2025 18:22 , Inga ParkelThe NYPD has confirmed the Gossip Girl star was found “unconscious and unresponsive” in her New York City Wednesday morning by police and pronounced dead by EMS workers.
Trachtenberg’s cause of death is not yet known, though police are not treating it as suspicious.
According to the New York Post, Trachtenberg recently underwent a liver transplant.
Michelle Trachtenberg dead: Ice Princess and Gossip Girl actor was 39
Wednesday 26 February 2025 18:10 , Inga ParkelGossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg has died at 39-years-old, according to reports.
News of the actor’s death broke on Wednesday. She was known for various movie and television appearances throughout the 90s and early 2000s.
According to police sources who spoke to The New York Post, Trachtenberg’s cause of death is not currently known, but is not being investigated as suspicious.
Read more:
Michelle Trachtenberg dead: Ice Princess and Gossip Girl actor was 39
The actor’s cause of death is not yet known
