Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress known for her roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” has died at the age of 39. According to sources, she underwent a liver transplant within the last year but her body may have rejected the organ.
Trachtenberg was found by her mother at One Columbus Place in Manhattan’s Central Park South neighborhood on Wednesday morning. The NYPD confirmed that she was pronounced dead by EMS workers after being unresponsive.
The cause of death has not been deemed suspicious, and the city medical examiner will determine the cause of natural causes. Trachtenberg’s representative said the family requests privacy during this difficult time.
In recent months, fans noticed a significant change in her appearance, with some expressing concern over her weight loss or assuming she was on drugs. However, Trachtenberg had responded to fan concerns by stating she was “happy and healthy” and never had plastic surgery.
Born in New York City on October 11, 1985, Trachtenberg began her acting career at the age of nine with the Nickelodeon series “The Adventures of Pete and Pete.” She went on to star in various kid-oriented movies and shows before pivoting to more mature roles as an adult.
Trachtenberg’s death has been met with an outpouring of support from former co-stars, including Rosie O’Donnell, Ed Westwick, Kim Cattrall, and Melissa Gilbert. The actress left behind her longtime boyfriend, Jay Cohen, a talent agent and producer who signed Trachtenberg in 2014.
Source: https://nypost.com/2025/02/26/entertainment/michelle-trachtenberg-dead-at-39-former-gossip-girl-harriet-the-spy-star-shared-troubling-posts