Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gossip Girl, and Harriet the Spy, was found dead in her New York City apartment on Wednesday morning, according to law enforcement sources. She was 39.
Trachtenberg's mother discovered her body at around 8 a.m. local time at her residence near Columbus Circle, sources told ABC News. The New York City Medical Examiner's Office has yet to determine the official cause of death, but early reports suggest she died of natural causes. No foul play is suspected.
The actress had recently undergone a liver transplant, and authorities are investigating whether complications from the procedure may have played a role in her passing. An autopsy is scheduled to provide further clarity.
Trachtenberg began her career as a child actress, first gaining recognition in Nickelodeon's The Adventures of Pete & Pete before landing the lead role in Harriet the Spy (1996). She later starred as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Sarah Michelle Gellar's character, on Buffy the Vampire Slayer from 2000 to 2003. The role earned her a Teen Choice Award nomination in 2001.
michelle trachtenberg has sadly passed away at the age of 39. rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/MQQkoeITKM — 2000s (@PopCulture2000s) February 26, 2025
She continued to find success on television, most notably portraying Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl from 2008 to 2012, a role that cemented her reputation for playing complex and mischievous characters. "It's kind of easy to be evil when you're saying evil things," Trachtenberg said in a 2009 interview with Seventeen. "It's definitely a lot more fun than playing the good girl."
In recent years, Trachtenberg had faced speculation regarding her health due to noticeable changes in her appearance. After fans expressed concern about her thinner hair and a yellow tint in her eyes, she addressed the comments on social media. "I've received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery. I am happy and healthy," she wrote in a post earlier this year.
Her final social media activity included a post from Feb. 12, where she shared a selfie with the caption, "Eye of the Tiger." A week before her death, she posted a throwback photo on Instagram with the caption, "I wanted to look like naughty," referencing her green dress in the image.
In addition to her television work, Trachtenberg appeared in several films, including EuroTrip (2004), Ice Princess (2005), 17 Again (2009), and The Scribbler (2014).
She had been in a relationship with talent manager Jay Cohen, though they were not married. Last March, she shared a birthday tribute to him on Instagram, writing, "Happy Birthday to the man who puts up with me."
News of her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans. Just last month, she shared a nostalgic photo with her Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar, captioning it, "Slay all day! Always loved this twinning photo of us!"
