Michelle Trachtenberg: Hollywood pays tribute to late ‘Gossip Girl’ star

Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died at 39.

Fans loved the actress and will be remembered for her iconic roles.

Details of Michelle Trachtenberg’s death

The New York Post reported the news of Michelle Trachtenberg’s death as close sources told the publication what happened.

The sources confirmed that Trachtenberg was found by her mother at 8 am on 26 February 2025. Apparently, Trachtenberg was staying at One Columbus Place which is an apartment complex in Central Park South, Manhattan.

According to PEOPLE, The New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed that Trachtenberg was found “unconscious and unresponsive” by police.

Trachtenberg’s family confirming her death

It wasn’t just paramedics who announced Trachtenberg’s death, but her family also confirmed it.

A spokesperson for Trachtenberg’s family said, “It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time,” as reported by Deadline.

Cause of death not yet confirmed

ABC News reported that before her death, Michelle Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant. They stated that the actress “may have been experiencing complications.” So far, this hasn’t been confirmed.

Till now, the city’s medical examiner has yet to confirm the cause of death. However, her death doesn’t seem suspicious or indicate foul play, according to the publication. It is worth noting that no official cause of death has been confirmed.

The actress’s fans assumed that Trachtenberg hadn’t felt well for a while; this assumption wasn’t based on any confirmed facts.

Fans were worried about Trachtenberg

Before her death, a lot of fans started to worry about the actress due to some of the pictures she shared on Instagram.

Trachtenberg posted recent images as well as pictures of her when younger. In these, she appeared fragile to fans.

Michelle Trachtenberg responding to concerns

Last year, Michelle Trachtenberg took to Instagram to address rumours regarding her health.

“I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery. I am happy and healthy. Check yourself, haters,” she wrote in an Instagram post shared on 19 January 2024.

She also addressed malnutrition rumours in another Instagram post, writing, “Fun fact. This is my face. Not malnutrition, no problems. Why do you have to hate? Get a calendar.”

Fans will certainly remember her for her roles and the characters she played.

Michelle Trachtenberg’s iconic roles

The actress left behind her a career filled with iconic roles that people still remember. She started her career with a role in The Adventures of Pete and Pete, and it didn’t take long for her popularity to increase.

Trachtenberg appeared in other works, including Harriet the Spy, EuroTrip, Disney’s Ice Princess, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Gossip Girl.

She also reprised her Gossip Girl role as Georgina when she appeared in HBO’s reboot of the show in 2023. Now, fans are waiting to see how Trachtenberg’s previous co-stars would react regarding the news.

Celebrities reacting to Trachtenberg’s passing

Not many celebrities have reacted yet to Trachtenberg’s passing. However, one celebrity who did react was actor Ed Westwick.

Westwick shared the screen with Trachtenberg in Gossip Girl as Chuck Bass and paid tribute to the actress on his Instagram story.

“So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg. Sending prayers,” he wrote.

Actress Mara Wilson also shared an Instagram story that included a picture of Trachtenberg along with a tribute stating “My heart is breaking for my childhood friend. Your memory will be a blessing, Michelle.”

Another celebrity who reacted to Trachtenberg’s passing is Kim Cattrall who shared the screen with the late actress in Ice Princess. Cattrall posted on Instagram a picture of her and Trachtenberg in the film with the caption: “Rest in peace sweet Michelle.”

Celebrities weren’t the only ones to send prayers to Trachtenberg’s family, as fans reacted to her death as well.

How did fans react?

Under Trachtenberg’s most recent post, thousands of fans left comments praying for the actress. The number of comments increased after the actress’s death was confirmed.

Fans paid tribute to the actress and expressed their deep sadness toward the news. Some even wrote about how Trachtenberg was part of their lives while growing up due to her early works.

Fans loved Trachtenberg for her kindness as well.

Trachtenberg supporting charities

When the Los Angeles fires happened earlier this year, Michelle Trachtenberg tried to offer her support.

She shared a picture of herself on Instagram on 12 January 2025. On top of the picture, she wrote: “Thank you to everyone who has donated to the charities I have listed in my stories! Stronger together. #kindness #losangelesfires”

In the caption, she wrote, “Thank you all. Please be kind. So many are suffering. Consider donating anything you can.”

How did you react to Michelle Trachtenberg’s passing?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

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