Michelle Trachtenberg Remembered by Friends and Co-Stars Including Buffy, Gossip Girl Cast

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg passed away on Wednesday at the age of 39, and her colleagues were caught off guard. As news of her death spread throughout the day, many of the people Trachtenberg has worked with began to make social media tributes and public statements. Trachtenberg started acting at the age of 3 and appeared in some blockbuster hits over the years, so she had worked with many people in Hollywood. Some of the first public tributes to come out were from her Gossip Girl co-star Ed Westwick and her Harriet the Spy co-star Rosie O’Donnell, while her co-stars from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and other hits chimed in throughout the day.

“So sad to hear of the passing of [Michelle Trachtenberg],” wrote Westwick on Instagram, “sending prayers.” Westwick played Chuck Bass on The CW’s Gossip Girl, while Trachtenberg played Georgina Sparks. Although she was technically not in the main cast, Trachtenberg appeared in ever season of Gossip Girl and was a fan-favorite.

O’Donnell’s work with Trachtenberg came a decade earlier, when Trachtenberg made her film debut in Harriet the Spy. O’Donnell played Harriet’s nanny and friend, whom she called “Ole Golly.” In a statement published by Us Weekly, O’Donnell called Trachtenberg’s death “Heartbreaking. I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”

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As a child star, Trachtenberg also shared the scene with Kim Cattrall in Ice Princess. Cattrall posted an image from the movie on Instagram on Wednesday, writing, “Rest in peace sweet Michelle” with a broken heart emoji. Another throwback came from fellow child star Kenan Thompson, who advised his followers to “Check on your people!!!”

Trachtenberg’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star James Marsters posted a longer tribute, praising Trachtenberg as “fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person.” Trachtenberg’s passing comes at a devastating time for Buffy fans, who have been speculating about past stars’ involvement in the upcoming revival series on Hulu.

Trachtenberg’s ex-boyfriend Shawn Rashmore even made a post on Wednesday, sending “condolences to her mother Lana and sister Irene! This is an incredible loss!” Meanwhile, other tributes came from stars like Melissa Joan Hart, Alyson Hannigan and Melissa Gilbert.

Trachtenberg’s death is under investigation, and details about her health have not been publicly reported yet. Her cause of death is officially listed as natural causes, and no foul play is suspected.