Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39, sources told The New York Post. According to reports, Trachtenberg was discovered by her mother around 8 a.m. on Wednesday at One Columbus Place, a luxury high-rise in Manhattan’s Central Park South neighborhood.
The actress had recently undergone a liver transplant and is believed to have died of natural causes, sources said.
The NYPD confirmed that officers responded to a call and found Trachtenberg “unconscious and unresponsive.” EMS personnel later pronounced her dead at the scene.
Authorities do not consider her death suspicious, and the city medical examiner will determine the official cause.
In recent months, Trachtenberg had shared a series of concerning photos on Instagram, where the award-winning actress had 800,000 followers. In the images, she appeared noticeably thin and frail, prompting some fans to express concern over her dramatic weight loss or speculate about potential substance use.
Michelle Trachtenberg was an American actress known for her diverse roles in television and film. Born on October 11, 1985, in New York City, she began her career in the entertainment industry at a young age, appearing in commercials before landing her first major role as Nona Mecklenberg on The Adventures of Pete & Pete (1994–1996).
Her breakthrough came in 2000 when she was cast as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the titular character in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This role introduced her to a wider audience and solidified her as a rising star in Hollywood. She later gained further recognition as Georgina Sparks, the manipulative socialite in Gossip Girl, a role she played from 2008 to 2012.
Beyond television, Trachtenberg starred in several films, including Harriet the Spy (1996), where she played the lead character, EuroTrip (2004), Ice Princess (2005), and Black Christmas (2006). Known for her ability to take on both comedic and dramatic roles, she demonstrated versatility throughout her career.
In addition to acting, Trachtenberg was involved in philanthropic efforts and advocacy work. She supported various charities and was vocal about issues such as anti-bullying campaigns.
