Home >  News >  Michelle Trachtenberg, Star of Buffy and Gossip Girl, Dies at 39

Michelle Trachtenberg, Star of Buffy and Gossip Girl, Dies at 39

by Emily Apr 16,2025

Michelle Trachtenberg, the beloved actress known for her roles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Gossip Girl," has tragically passed away at the age of 39, as reported by The Post. Trachtenberg's untimely death occurred in her New York City apartment near Columbus Circle, where she was found by her mother on Wednesday. According to ABC News, Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have been dealing with complications related to the procedure. Authorities have confirmed that her death is not being treated as suspicious and is believed to be from natural causes, though an autopsy will be conducted to ascertain the exact cause and manner of death.

Michelle Trachtenberg in November 2023. Photo by Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty Images.

Michelle Trachtenberg in November 2023. Photo by Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty Images.

Trachtenberg's career began at the tender age of nine when she appeared on the 1990s Nickelodeon show "The Adventures of Pete and Pete." Her film debut came in 1996 with "Harriet the Spy." She gained widespread recognition for her role as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Sarah Michelle Gellar's character Buffy, in the iconic teen drama "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," which she starred in from 2000 until its conclusion in 2003. Trachtenberg also starred as Jenny in the 2004 teen sex comedy "EuroTrip" and as Casey Carlyle in the 2005 teen sports comedy-drama "Ice Princess."

More recently, Trachtenberg portrayed the enigmatic Georgina Sparks in the American teen drama "Gossip Girl," which aired from 2007 to 2012. She reprised her role in the second season of HBO Max's standalone sequel series, captivating audiences once again with her compelling performance.

*Developing...*

Trending Games More >