Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her role in “Harriet the Spy” and as Dawn on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” has passed away at the age of 39, according to New York City police.
Authorities received a 911 call early Wednesday morning and found Trachtenberg unresponsive in a Manhattan apartment. Emergency Medical Services arrived and declared her dead at the scene.
The NYPD stated that there is no suspicion of foul play. The investigation is ongoing, and her official cause of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner.
A source indicated that Trachtenberg had faced a recent medical issue and her death seems to be linked to natural causes.
Trachtenberg’s family has requested privacy during this difficult time. They have not released further details about her passing.
Trachtenberg gained fame as a child star, first appearing in “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” and later starring in Nickelodeon’s “Harriet the Spy.” She remembered Rosie O’Donnell, her co-star in the film, as her biggest supporter on set.
Reflecting on her career, Trachtenberg expressed gratitude for her early roles. “When I do look at social media, I see messages from people saying I inspired them,” she noted in a 2001 interview.
O’Donnell described Trachtenberg’s death as “heartbreaking,” adding, “I loved her very much.” Other stars from their Nickelodeon era, including Melissa Joan Hart and Kenan Thompson, also shared their condolences upon hearing the news.
Trachtenberg’s acting journey continued with her iconic role as Dawn on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” The character received mixed reviews from fans, but Trachtenberg managed to take the criticism in stride. “Most of the haters don’t have the guts to say things in person,” she quipped in a past interview.
She played her role until the show’s end in 2003. On the day of her passing, her co-star James Marsters shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, recalling her as “fiercely intelligent” and “howlingly funny.”
Trachtenberg transitioned to more adult roles as she grew up. She appeared in the teen film “EuroTrip” and the Disney movie “Ice Princess.” On social media, her former co-star Kim Cattrall expressed her sadness over Trachtenberg’s death, sharing a picture from their work together.
Later, she took on the role of the villainous Georgina Sparks in “Gossip Girl,” which became a signature part of her career. “It’s easy to be evil when you say evil things. It’s definitely more fun than being the good girl,” she remarked in an interview.
Trachtenberg also had guest roles on shows like “House” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” Recently, she appeared in the “Gossip Girl” reboot.
Though her exact projects at the time of her death are unclear, Trachtenberg was active on social media. Just a week prior, she posted nostalgic photos from past red carpet events, reminiscing about the magic of those moments.
“A memory, a magical night in #newyork. I remember feeling like Cinderella,” she wrote, wishing her followers an “ethereal weekend.”
This story has been updated to reflect the latest information on her passing.
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