Michelle Trachtenberg, widely recognised for her roles in hit TV shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away at age 39. A statement from the New York City Police Department revealed that officials responded to a 911 call around 8 am EST on February 26, reporting an unconscious and unresponsive woman in a luxury Manhattan apartment. The New York Post reported that the call was made by her mother.
The police further confirmed that no foul play was detected, and Trachtenberg died of natural causes, the cause of death can only be determined by an autopsy that is underway. The New York-based publication also mentioned that the actress had undergone a liver transplant last year. “It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss,” Trachtenberg’s representative, Gary Mantoosh, said in a statement to the publication.
Born on October 11, 1985, Trachtenberg’s acting career began at the age of three with a Wisk detergent commercial. While she guest starred in shows like Law & Order, Clarissa Explains it All and All My Children, the actress’ first credited role came in 1994 with The Adventures of Pete & Pete.
Her big break and first big screen role was as the lead in the 1996 film Harriet the Spy, which earned her the Young Artist Award. In 2000, during the fifth season of the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Trachtenberg was introduced as Buffy’s younger sister, Dawn. She made regular appearances until the show’s conclusion in 2003.
Trachtenberg is also best known for playing the villainous Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl, where she made regular appearances throughout all six seasons. She also guest starred in the recent reboot of the series, which runs under the same name. Her other notable film and TV shows include Ice Princess, 17 Again, House, and Criminal Minds.
