Michelle Trachtenberg, ‘Buffy’ and ‘Gossip Girl’ Star, Dies at 39

Cause of Death

Authorities say the actress had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have been experiencing complications. While no foul play is suspected, an autopsy will be conducted to confirm the official cause of death.

A Career in the Spotlight

A New York City native, Trachtenberg began acting as a child, starring in Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete and the beloved 1996 film Harriet the Spy. Her breakout role came in 2000, when she was cast as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Buffy Summers (played by Sarah Michelle Gellar), on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Her performance earned her a Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice TV Sidekick. She later portrayed the iconic villain Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl (2008–2012), which landed her another Teen Choice Award nomination in 2012.

Remembering Michelle Trachtenberg

Fans and co-stars have been mourning her passing, with many revisiting her memorable performances across TV and film, including:

• EuroTrip (2004)

• 17 Again (2009)

• Weeds

• Mercy

• Gossip Girl reboot (2022)

Just last month, Trachtenberg shared a throwback photo with Sarah Michelle Gellar, reminiscing on their Buffy days with the caption:
"Slay all day! Always loved this twinning photo of us! #buffy #dawn #sister #womancrushwednesday."

Her legacy as a beloved actress and pop culture icon will continue to live on in the hearts of her fans.

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