- Michelle Trachtenberg sadly passed away on 26 February
- She was found in her New York apartment
- The actress is best known for starring in Gossip Girl and Buffy The Vampire Slayer
The internet went into shock on 26 February when it was announced that Buffy and Gossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg passed away at age 39. Trachtenberg was a child actress who became famous in the 2000s after landing the role in the fifth season of Buffy The Vampire Slayer as Buffy’s younger sister Dawn. She played the role from 2000 until 2003. In 2007 she had another iconic role, playing one of the central villains in Gossip Girl from 2007 until 2012 in a recurring role.
ABC News reported that the actress was found just after 8 am by her mother at her New York City apartment. It appears her death was unexpected as no cause of death has been given yet. However, reports say that Trachtenberg underwent a liver transplant. Her death is not being treated as suspicious, according to police.
Read More: Where can you watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Tributes for Trachtenberg have poured in from her co-stars and celebrities, including some stars from Buffy. Find out here all the stars who paid tribute to the actress.
Who paid tribute to Michelle Trachtenberg?
One of the first to pay tribute to her was her Gossip Girl co-star Ed Westwick. Westwick played rich bad boy Chuck Bass on the show. He took to his Instagram Stories to pay a sweet and simple tribute to the actress.
Ed Westwick
He wrote: “So sad to hear of the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg. Sending prayers.”
On the show, Westwick’s character is the one who brings Georgina Sparks (Trachtenberg’s character) back to New York after she becomes religious. They don’t appear to be close, but the tribute is lovely.
2. James Marsters
One of the more personal tributes, Buffy The Vampire Slayer star James Marsters shared his heartfelt post on his Instagram. Marsters played British vampire Spike on the show, who had a soft spot for Buffy’s kid sister. Spike was protective over Dawn and the actors shared many scenes.
Marsters wrote: “My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her.”
The Buffy star also wished her family well and said that Trachtenberg was “missed”.
Spike and Dawn, who is cutting onions?
3. David Boreanaz
David Boreanaz, who played Angel on Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and Angel reshared a Deadline post about the actress. On his Instagram Stories, he wrote: “So sad…horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family.”
4. Emma Caufield
Emma Caufield played Anya Jenkins on Buffy and posted a personal tribute to the 39-year-old. Caufield wrote: “I’m so sorry your bright light died so young. Our Buffy family lost a little sister today. Rest in peace, lovely Mish Mish. You were loved.”
5. Alyson Hannigan
Willow, a.k.a Alyson Hannigan also just spoke on Trachtenberg’s passing. She posted a photo on her Instagram and wrote, ” I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing. She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends.”
Dawn and Willow were old friends on the show, and Dawn would often have scenes with Willow when Buffy was distant.
6. Rosie O’Donnell
Rosie O’Donnell played a leading role alongside a young Trachtenberg in Harriet The Spy in 1996. Speaking on Trachtenberg’s death she said it was “heartbreaking”. O’Donnell also hinted that the actress has “struggled” recently. “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped,” she said.
7. Kim Cattrall
Kim Cattrall who is best known for her role as Samantha Jones in Sex and The City paid a beautiful tribute to her co-star on Instagram. On X she wrote under a Variety post, “This is Heartbreaking. So talented, much too young,” she commented under Variety’s post on X. Cattrall”RIP Sweet Beauty. xo”
This is Heartbreaking. 💔
— Kim Cattrall (@KimCattrall) February 26, 2025
So talented, much too young.
RIP Sweet Beauty. xo
The two starred together in Ice Princesses. Trachtenberg played a figure skater and Cattrall played her coach. On her social media, she wrote: “Rest in peace sweet Michelle.” She posted it alongside a picture of the two in their 2004 film.
Has Sarah Michelle Gellar commented on her passing?
At this time, Trachtenberg’s on-screen sister Sarah Michelle Gellar hasn’t commented on the news, but when she does we will be the first to let you know.
