Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39.
The actress was found dead in her New York City apartment near Columbus Circle on Wednesday morning by her mother, according to police sources. Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have suffered complications, though no foul play is suspected. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the official cause of death.
A New York City native, Trachtenberg first gained fame as a child star in Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete and Harriet the Spy. Her breakout role came in 2000 when she was cast as Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, earning a Teen Choice Award nomination. She later gained further recognition as Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl, a role that earned her another Teen Choice nomination for Best TV Villain.
Throughout her career, Trachtenberg appeared in a variety of television series, including Mercy, Weeds, and Truth or Scare. She also made a cameo in Fall Out Boy’s 2007 music video for This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race. Her film credits include EuroTrip, 17 Again, and The Scribbler.
Just last month, Trachtenberg reminisced about her time on Buffy, sharing a throwback photo with co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar. Her passing has left fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a beloved actress whose career spanned decades.
