Star Actress Dies Suddenly At 39

Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress renowned for her roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” has passed away at the age of 39.

She was found dead by her mother just after 8 a.m. on Wednesday in her apartment at One Columbus Place, a 51-story luxury complex in Manhattan’s Central Park South neighborhood near Columbus Circle.

According to police, her recent liver transplant is notable, though her death is currently not being investigated as suspicious first reported by The New York Post. The investigation is still in progress.

In recent months, Trachtenberg had shared a series of unsettling images on Instagram. The photos depicted her looking unusually thin, which led to an outpouring of comments from concerned fans about her dramatic weight loss and inquiries regarding possible drug use.

Responding to the speculation, she addressed her followers in a post, stating, “I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance,” and assured them, “I have never had plastic surgery I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters.”

LOS ANGELES – APR 29: Michelle Trachtenberg arrives to the Anti-Bullying Alliance Launch on April 29, 2010 in Washington D.C.

Trachtenberg’s most recent update, posted seven days ago, was a nostalgic photo in which she expressed a whimsical desire to “look like naughty #tinkerbell.” Last January, she had similarly reassured her audience, affirming that she was “happy and healthy” and had not undergone plastic surgery.

Trachtenberg, who was born in New York City, emerged as a dynamic force in both television and cinema through a career marked by diverse and memorable roles. Launching her acting journey at just three years old with a commercial for Wisk detergent, she quickly became a familiar face in advertising, starring in over a hundred commercials.

HOLLYWOOD, CA/USA – JAN 4 2020: Michelle Trachtenberg arrives to The Art of Elysium 13th Annual Black Tie Artistic Experience “HEAVEN” on January 4, 2020 in Hollywood, CA

Her television debut included roles on staples like “Law & Order” and “All My Children.” Trachtenberg became a household name as Nona F. Mecklenberg on “The Adventures of Pete & Pete,” a Nickelodeon series that ran from 1994 to 1996.

She transitioned to film with the lead role in “Harriet the Spy” in 1996, a performance that catapulted her into the limelight. From 2000 to 2003, she portrayed Dawn Summers on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” a role that earned her a Young Artist Award and several nominations for a Saturn Award.

LOS ANGELES – FEB 9: Michelle Trachtenberg at the 28th Elton John Aids Foundation Viewing Party at the West Hollywood Park on February 9, 2020 in West Hollywood, CA

Continuing to build her portfolio, she joined the cast of “Gossip Girl” as Georgina Sparks from 2008 to 2012, a role that further cemented her status in the industry. Her filmography during this period included significant roles in “EuroTrip” (2004), “Ice Princess” (2005), and “17 Again” (2009).

Trachtenberg also made notable guest appearances on series such as “Six Feet Under,” “House,” and “Criminal Minds.” Expanding her professional scope, Trachtenberg served as the host of the Discovery Kids series “Truth or Scare” from 2001 to 2003 and later undertook executive producer roles in projects like “Guidance” (2015–2017) and “Meet, Marry, Murder” (2021).