Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39, sources confirmed to The New York Post.
Her mother discovered her unresponsive around 8 a.m. on Wednesday at One Columbus Place, a high-rise apartment near Central Park South in Manhattan. Authorities have stated that her death is not being treated as suspicious.
According to sources, Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant. In the months leading up to her passing, she had shared photos on Instagram in which she appeared noticeably thinner, prompting concern from some of her followers. However, she previously addressed speculation about her health in January of last year, assuring fans that she was “happy and healthy” while also denying rumors of plastic surgery.
Born on October 11, 1985, in New York City, Trachtenberg began acting at a young age. One of her earliest television roles was as Nona F. Mecklenberg on Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete. She later gained widespread recognition playing Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Buffy, on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Throughout her career, she took on a variety of film and television roles, including appearances in Harriet the Spy, EuroTrip, Ice Princess, and 17 Again. She also had a recurring role on Gossip Girl, where she played Georgina Sparks, a character known for stirring up drama among Manhattan’s elite.
Trachtenberg remained active in Hollywood over the years, appearing in guest roles on various TV shows and lending her voice to animated projects.
News of her sudden passing has shocked fans and colleagues, many of whom have expressed their condolences on social media. Tributes from fellow actors and industry professionals continue to pour in, highlighting her talent, kindness, and contributions to entertainment.
This is a developing story. More updates will follow.