American actress Michelle Trachtenberg was a prominent figure on television throughout the 2000s. Many know her as Dawn Summers, Buffy’s younger sister, in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, while others recognize her as Georgina Sparks, the unforgettable drama queen in Gossip Girl.
On Feb. 25, news broke that Trachtenberg had passed away at the age of 39. According to reports made by ABC News and Page Six, she passed away from natural causes, possibly due to complications following a recent liver transplant.
Trachtenberg’s work has left a lasting impact on the industry. She is widely recognized for her diverse career across multiple genres, which highlights her versatility as an actress.
A look back at Michelle Trachtenberg’s career
Trachtenberg began her career as a child actress, appearing in an episode of Law & Order in 1991, an episode of Clarissa Explains It All in 1993, and three episodes of All My Children in 1994. These early roles showcased her budding talent and laid the foundation for her future success.
Trachtenberg’s big break came in 1996 when she landed the lead role of Harriet in Harriet the Spy, starring alongside Rosie O’Donnell. Her portrayal of the adventurous and inquisitive young girl earned widespread attention and helped launch her Hollywood career. The film’s success opened doors for her in both television and film, paving the way for a series of memorable roles in the following years.
In 2000, Trachtenberg took on another major role as Dawn Summers, Buffy’s younger sister, in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Introduced in the show’s fifth season, her character quickly became a fan favorite, and Trachtenberg’s performance played a key role in shaping the later seasons of the iconic series.
In 2009, Trachtenberg took on another leading role in the film Ice Princess, portraying Casey Carlyle, an aspiring figure skater who discovers her true potential while navigating the challenges of balancing her academic future with her passion for skating. That same year, Trachtenberg starred as Maggie O’Donnell in the film 17 Again, alongside Zac Efron and Matthew Perry, playing the witty and grounded daughter of a man who magically reverts to his teenage self.
In 2008, she made history by joining the cast of Gossip Girl as the infamous Georgina Sparks, appearing in 28 episodes until the series’s end in 2012. Known for her manipulative and scheming nature, Georgina quickly became one of the show’s most memorable and iconic characters. Trachtenberg’s portrayal of the complex and unpredictable villain earned her praise for her ability to bring both charm and chaos to the role, leaving a lasting mark on the series and its devoted fanbase.
Trachtenberg’s final industry appearance was as the voice of Dr. Wagner in the 2023 television adaptation of Harriet the Spy. Fittingly, this role brought her career full circle.
Former co-stars pay tribute to the late actress
Alyson Hannigan, Trachtenberg’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star, shared a tribute on Instagram following her passing. “She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy,” Hannigan wrote in the caption. “My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends.” Hannigan portrayed the character Willow on the television series from 1997 to 2003.
Kendal Brenneman, Trachtenberg’s stand-in and photo double on the set of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, also shared a photo. In the post’s caption, Brenneman explained that Trachtenberg often had to be in school, so the pair didn’t interact much. Even so, she still left a lasting impact on Brenneman. “She seemed like a happy, social girl whom everyone loved,” Brenneman said. “She was far too young, and I know she will be missed.”
Blake Lively, another of Trachtenberg’s co-stars, shared a photo of the pair on her Instagram story following Trachtenberg’s passing, according to Entertainment Tonight. Lively, who portrayed Serena van der Woodsen, Georgina’s former best friend, remembered Trachtenberg saying, “She was electricity … She was a kind person, through and through.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar took to Instagram to express her sorrow over her passing. Gellar, who played Buffy, Dawn’s older sister, wrote, “I love you. I will always love you.”
Taylor Momsen, who played Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl, also paid tribute to the actress. She shared a heartfelt message on social media, remembering the warmth and kindness Trachtenberg brought to the set. “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,” Momsen wrote. “I love you so much Michelle.”
Final Thoughts
Michelle Trachtenberg’s legacy in the entertainment industry is undeniable. From her early breakthrough in Harriet the Spy to her iconic roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gossip Girl, and Ice Princess, she captivated audiences with her versatile performances across multiple genres. She will be deeply missed by the fans who grew up watching her on their screens.