NEW YORK — Michelle Trachtenberg, a celebrated former child actress recognized for her roles in the 1996 film “Harriet the Spy,” and notable TV series such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” has passed away at 39.
Authorities responded to an emergency call just after 8 a.m., locating Trachtenberg in an upscale apartment building in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen, where she was discovered “unconscious and unresponsive,” as detailed in a police report. Emergency medical personnel pronounced her dead at the scene, with no indications of foul play. The New York Medical Examiner is conducting an investigation into the cause of her passing.
Her representative, Gary Mantoosh, expressed the family’s desire for privacy in a statement, as they navigate their loss.
Trachtenberg’s career began at age 8, portraying Nona Mecklenberg on Nickelodeon’s “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” from 1994 to 1996 before taking on the titular role in the film “Harriet the Spy” and later starring alongside Matthew Broderick in “Inspector Gadget.” According to Debby Beece, then-president of Nickelodeon Movies, Michelle’s authenticity as a performer resonated with audiences.
In 2000, she became an integral part of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” portraying Dawn Summers, younger sibling to the protagonist played by Sarah Michelle Gellar. Trachtenberg later acknowledged Gellar for her support against Joss Whedon following abuse allegations, referencing her own experiences on set.
For her role as the host of Discovery Channel’s “Truth or Scare” in 2001, Trachtenberg earned a Daytime Emmy nomination. She also had significant roles on “Six Feet Under,” “Weeds,” and “Gossip Girl,” where she portrayed the devious Georgina Sparks. This character earned her a nomination as a TV villain at the 2012 Teen Choice Awards. Reflecting on her role, she expressed in an interview the enjoyment of playing such complex characters.
The actress was part of the original “Gossip Girl” cast to make a return appearance in the 2021 series revival. She also appeared in Fall Out Boy’s music video for “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race.”
Trachtenberg’s passing evoked tributes from her peers, with David Boreanaz, her “Buffy” co-star, expressing his sorrow on social media. Melissa Gilbert, who worked with Trachtenberg on the 1996 film “A Holiday for Love,” also shared her condolences, highlighting the impact on those who cherished her.
In film, Trachtenberg starred in “Ice Princess” in 2005, where she played a gifted math student with dreams of becoming a figure skater. Reviews noted her ability to channel the same energy that she showcased in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
Born in New York City, her other film credits included “EuroTrip” in 2004, and roles in “17 Again” with Zac Efron, as well as a guest spot on “Criminal Minds” where she portrayed a dangerous character. In “Killing Kennedy,” she took on the role of Lee Harvey Oswald’s wife, speaking primarily in Russian, a language learned from her mother.
Trachtenberg also had notable parts in “Mysterious Skin” and “Black Christmas,” and she was a lead in NBC’s “Mercy” from 2009 to 2010. More recently, she hosted the docuseries “Meet, Marry, Murder” on Tubi.
Actress Michelle Trachtenberg Passes Away at 39
