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Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl Actress Michelle Trachtenberg Dies Aged 39

by Leo Mar 19,2025

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39. The New York City Police Department is not investigating her death as suspicious.

ABC News reports that Trachtenberg's mother discovered her deceased in her apartment near Columbus Circle on Wednesday. According to ABC News, Trachtenberg recently underwent a liver transplant and may have experienced subsequent complications. Authorities believe her death was from natural causes, pending an autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death.

Trachtenberg's career began at age nine with a role in the Nickelodeon series The Adventures of Pete and Pete. She made her film debut in 1996's Harriet the Spy. She gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2000-2003), and also starred in films such as EuroTrip (2004) and Ice Princess (2005). More recently, she was memorable as Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl (2007-2012) and reprised the role in the HBO Max sequel series.