Actress Mara Wilson is paying tribute to her childhood friend Michelle Trachtenberg, who died at 39 last month. In an emotional essay on Vulture, Wilson shared stories of their time together and the struggles Trachtenberg faced as a child actress.
Wilson met Trachtenberg at the 1997 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, where she was “play-fighting” with Jonathan Lipnicki. What struck Wilson was how kind Trachtenberg was to her younger friend, despite being six years older. The two would reunite at the Audrey Hepburn Foundation’s Hollywood for Children charity film festival months later, and it became clear that everyone in their circle adored Trachtenberg.
Trachtenberg’s struggles as a child star began early. Wilson recalled that she was bullied in school for being more famous than her classmates. Despite this, Trachtenberg remained confident and composed, but Wilson revealed that beneath the surface, she was struggling with the constant resentment from peers who felt threatened by her success.
The two friends were part of a group of child actors that included Vanessa Lee Chester, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Rider Strong, and siblings Tia and Tamera Mowry. However, Trachtenberg’s death has left Wilson feeling shaken. “She was too young,” Wilson wrote, expressing her shock and sadness at the news.
In her essay, Wilson also shared a conversation she had with Trachtenberg shortly before graduation, where Trachtenberg confided in her about being bullied by their peers. Wilson remembered that Trachtenberg had never cried before, but in this moment, she was overcome with emotion.
The loss of Trachtenberg has left the entertainment industry mourning the passing of a talented and beloved young star. Mara Wilson’s heartfelt tribute serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by child actors and the enduring impact they can have on those who knew them.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/03/18/mara-wilson-michelle-trachtenberg-tribute/82521098007