Michelle Trachtenberg, renowned for her roles as Dawn Summers in Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39. These details were reported by the New York Post, with authorities confirming her death in her New York City apartment on February 26th. The cause of Trachtenberg’s death has not been officially disclosed, though it is known that she had recently undergone a liver transplant.
Born in New York on October 11, 1985, Trachtenberg began her acting career at a young age, landing roles in commercials and early television appearances, including a lead role in the film Harriet The Spy. Her role as Dawn in Buffy The Vampire Slayer, which she joined in season five and played until the show’s end in 2003, became one of her most celebrated performances. In addition, Trachtenberg reprised her role as Georgina Sparks in the 2022 Gossip Girl reboot.
Trachtenberg’s extensive career also featured roles in other TV series such as Six Feet Under and Weeds, as well as movies like Eurotrip, Inspector Gadget,
Her passing has evoked tributes from colleagues, including Gossip Girl co-star Blake Lively and Buffy The Vampire Slayer actor David Boreanaz, both mourning her loss and celebrating her contributions to their respective shows. Rosie O’Donnell, who starred with Trachtenberg in Harriet The Spy, also expressed deep sorrow, reflecting on Trachtenberg’s struggles in recent years.
