Gossip Girl and The Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Michelle Trachtenberg is thought to have faced a hidden health battle before tragically passing away at the age of 39
Gossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg has tragically passed away at the age of 39 following reports of a hidden health battle.
The award-winning actress, also known for her role in The Buffy The Vampire Slayer, reportedly underwent a liver transplant within a year before she was found dead in her New York City apartment by her mum on Wednesday, February 26.
ABC News sources suggested that she may have been dealing with complications. Her death is not being treated as suspicious, although the exact cause of death remains unconfirmed.
In recent months, Michelle shared a series of worrying photos on her Instagram account, which boasts over 800K followers. Looking noticeably frail and thin, her appearance raised alarm among fans, with some commenting on her dramatic weight loss and others speculating about potential substance abuse. On February 12, Michelle appeared particularly frail and thin in a photo, causing concern among her followers, who wished her health and happiness.
“This is not Michelle,” one follower remarked at the time. Another fan questioned if “she was sick” after seeing the photo. Michelle’s post on January 26 had fans on high alert, sparking significant worry. The starlet showcased a notably leaner appearance which had her followers declaring she appeared to be a “completely different person.”
One concerned fan voiced their anxiety: “There is something wrong and I am not a hater.” Another concurred: “Gosh, she looks so different. I hope she is okay.”
However, in January last year Michelle was quick to dispel worries as she confidently claimed to be “happy and healthy”, denying any rumours of cosmetic surgery. In response to one user who commented: “Michelle u look sick. R u ok?”, the actress replied: “Explain to me how I look sick. Did you lose a calendar and not realize I’m not 14. I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment.”
She later added: “I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters.” By October, she rang in her 39th birthday with a celebratory snap, alongside the confident remark: “39 and I’m feeling fiiiiiine.”
Michelle was born in New York City on October 11, 1985. She made her acting debut at the tender age of nine when she appeared on the much-loved Nickelodeon series The Adventures of Pete & Pete, where she portrayed the quirky Nona F. Mecklenberg. Her early career was peppered with parts in child-friendly films and TV shows, including her standout performance as the protagonist in Harriet the Spy (1996).
As she navigated her way into more grown-up roles, Michelle gained widespread recognition for playing Dawn Summers, the younger sibling of the eponymous heroine in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She later enthralled viewers as the scheming and devious Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl, a character she embodied throughout the show’s six-season stint. Another notable role included in the 2009 movie 17 Again, starring alongside Zac Efron, as she portrayed Maggie O’Donnell.