Michelle Trachtenberg, who achieved her breakthrough role in Harriet The Spy and later established herself in television with the CW’s Gossip Girl and the WB’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died at age 39.
ABC News confirmed through law enforcement sources that a family member discovered the actress deceased in her NYC residence on Wednesday morning. Reports indicate she had “recently underwent a liver transplant and may have been experiencing complications.” Additionally, “Trachtenberg is believed to have died of natural causes and no foul play is suspected.”
Following the announcement, several former castmates promptly shared tributes honoring Trachtenberg, including Sarah Michelle Gellar. Here are some of those tributes:
Blake Lively
Blake wrote in an Instagram Story on Wednesday (Feb. 26 2025), “This is the first day I met Michelle. 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 lipgloss on 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 lipgloss because she cared about the sweet details.
She was a kind person, through and through.
Time passes. You take for granted that you get the chance to see an old friend. To paraphrase, the real tragedies in life are the ones that blindside you on an idle Tuesday.
Hold those you love and have loved dear. The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle. May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.”
Ed Westwick
“So sad to hear of the passing of @MichelleTrachtenberg,” the Gossip Girl actor wrote via his Instagram Story alongside a photo of his costar. “Sending prayers.”
James Marsters
“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. 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. Godspeed Michelle. You are missed.”
Chace Crawford
“Michelle was one of a kind. I remember her coming on set for the first time and just absolutely owning it. She was a force of nature and just so so unapologetically funny and magnetic.. remembering those years with a big smile. Just a terrible loss. Love you”
Iris Apatow
“I watched her through every stage of my life,” the actress wrote via her Instagram Story. “She brought me a lot of joy when things were hard — I’m so heartbroken. Rest in peace.”
Alyson Hannigan
“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.”
Chris Colfer
“Michelle was the absolute sweetest and one of the most supportive people I knew. I’m so lucky I got to be her friend. 💔”
Melissa Gilbert
“Oh Michy…and we lived so close to one another. My heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so… @michelletrachtenberg #ripsweetgirl.”
David Boreanaz
“So very sad… horrible news,” the Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor wrote via his Instagram Story. “R.I.P. and prayers to her and her family.”
Melissa Joan Hart
“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. 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. #gonetoosoon #RIP #GodBlesstheFunnyPeople”
Kim Cattrall
“Rest in peace sweet Michelle 💔.”
Taylor Momsen
“In shock…When I met this girl 17 years ago I knew we’d be friends..she was smart and sassy, bold and sensitive, funny as fuck and filled with fire. She was simply awesome. I’ll miss our late night calls that no one should ever hear but us. She was always in my corner and there to support me whether I was right or wrong. I will miss you everyday my love..I think we truly understood each other and I am so grateful to have had a friend like you in my life for so long..You were a true friend to me which is a rarity in this world and I can’t believe I won’t hear your voice again..I hope you’re fucking up heaven for both of us..I love you so much Michelle, my heart is on the floor. I’m still in shock but I needed to honor her, she deserves more than this. I grieve with all her fans around the world, and my heart is with her family and loved ones. I have so much to say, but she’s the only one I’d want to say it to, my love to you all xxt”
Emma Caulfield
“I’m so sorry your bright light died so young,” the Buffy the Vampire Slayer star wrote via her Instagram Story. “Our Buffy family lost a little sister today…Rest in peace lovely Mist Mist. You were loved.”
Kenan Thompson
“Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! 🙏🏾 Check on your people!!! ❤️”
Matt McGorry
“Rest in peace, Michelle. You had so much more life to live. 💔
She had a fierceness but also a deep caring and softness with those she trusted. She always stood up for her friends, was incredibly talented and had the darkest sense of humor. She had the spirit of a true New Yorker.
Michelle and I were really close but lost touch for quite a while. I was always sure that we’d cross paths again and I was looking forward to meeting as the people we’d grown to become.
You will be missed by so many. Love you, Michelle. 💜”
Shawn Ashmore
“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:) My condolences to her mother Lana and sister Irene! This is an incredible loss!”
Kevin Zegers
“What a loss.
Michelle was tough and a force.
Just a kid, so sad.”
Rosie O’Donnell
“Heartbreaking,” O’Donnell, 62, said in a statement to Us Weekly. “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
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