Michelle Trachtenberg

American actress (1985–2025)

Michelle Trachtenberg

Trachtenberg in 2018

Born| (1985-10-11)October 11, 1985

New York City, U.S.

Died| February 26, 2025(2025-02-26) (aged 39)

New York City, U.S.

Occupation| Actress
Years active| 1988–2025

Michelle Christine Trachtenberg (October 11, 1985 – February 26, 2025) was an American actress. After beginning her career in television commercials at age three, she made her television debut in her first credited role on the Nickelodeon series The Adventures of Pete & Pete (1994–1996) and her feature debut in the 1996 film Harriet the Spy. As a child actress, Trachtenberg starred in several Nickelodeon productions. In 1997, she won a Young Artist Award for her performance in CBS's sitcom Meego.

Trachtenberg found success on the supernatural drama series Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2000–2003) as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the show's title character, a role which won her another Young Artist Award and earned her three Saturn Award nominations. She was also nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for her role as the host of the Discovery Kids series Truth or Scare (2001–2003). In her late teens and early 20s, Trachtenberg rose to further prominence in the film EuroTrip (2004) and as Georgina Sparks on the CW series Gossip Girl (2008–2012). During the mid-2000s, she also had a starring role in the film Ice Princess (2005) and supporting roles in the films Mysterious Skin (2004) and Black Christmas (2006). She also starred on the NBC series Mercy (2009–2010).

In the 2010s, Trachtenberg starred in several television films, including Killing Kennedy (2013) and Sister Cities (2015), and in the science fiction film The Scribbler (2014). She provided the lead voice of Judy in Facebook Watch's adult animated web series Human Kind Of (2018) and executive produced the teen drama web series Guidance (2015–2017) and Tubi's true crime series Meet, Marry, Murder (2021). She died at age 39 from complications of diabetes.[1]

## Early life

[edit]

Michelle Christine Trachtenberg was born on October 11, 1985, in New York City, to Lana, a bank manager, and Michael Trachtenberg, a fiber-optics manager.[2] Her parents were Jewish immigrants; her father was from Germany and her mother was from Ukraine.[3][4][5] Her mother helped her learn some Russian for a role in 2013.[6] In an interview in November 2013, Trachtenberg said that her father had died recently.[7] Her grandparents reside in Israel.[8][9] She had an older sister named Irene.[4]

Trachtenberg was raised in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, where she attended junior high school at The Bay Academy for the Arts and Sciences.[10] Her family later moved to Los Angeles, where she attended Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks.[4][2] She said in a later interview and on social media that she was bullied in school.[11][12][13] She was a youth representative for the launch of an anti-drug campaign with President Bill Clinton.[14]

## Career

[edit]

### 1988–2005: Career beginnings and Buffy the Vampire Slayer

[edit]

Trachtenberg on the set of The Adventures of Pete & Pete in 1995

Trachtenberg made her first television appearance at age three in a commercial for Wisk detergent.[15] She would eventually play featured roles in more than 100 commercials.[15] She made her television debut in an episode of the crime drama Law & Order,[16] before gaining recognition on the Nickelodeon series The Adventures of Pete & Pete as Nona F. Mecklenberg.[17] During the same period, she played Lily Montgomery on the soap opera All My Children.[18]

Trachtenberg's film career began in 1996 with the title role in Harriet the Spy, for which she had to leave The Adventures of Pete & Pete while its third season was running.[19] She then starred in the short-lived television series Meego, which garnered her a Young Artist Award.[20] She returned to film in 1999 for Inspector Gadget. She also starred in the film Can't Be Heaven. In 2000, she began playing Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the title character (played by Sarah Michelle Gellar) in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.[21] She also hosted the Discovery Kids series Truth or Scare from 2001 to 2003, for which she was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award.[22][18]

Trachtenberg (right) with the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer in 2003

In 2004, after Buffy and Truth or Scare, Trachtenberg appeared as Jenny in the teen comedy film EuroTrip.[23] That same year, Trachtenberg played Wendy in Mysterious Skin, Gregg Araki's film adaptation of Scott Heim's novel. Wendy is the best friend of Neil (Joseph Gordon Levitt), a teenage hustler in small-town Kansas. The film debuted at the 2004 Venice Film Festival.[24] She also had a recurring role in the HBO series Six Feet Under, as Celeste, a spoiled pop star.[25]

In March 2005, Trachtenberg starred in Walt Disney Pictures' comedy sports drama film Ice Princess as Casey Carlyle, a science whiz, who is torn between a future in academia and her newfound dream of being a competitive figure skater.[26]

### 2006–2010: Gossip Girl and other work

[edit]

In April 2006, Trachtenberg guest-starred in the episode of House, "Safe". She revealed on the December 22, 2006, episode of Late Night with Conan O'Brien that House was her favorite show, and that she was friends with one of the producers and had asked to be a guest star.[27]

In November 2006, Trachtenberg guest starred in season six of the crime drama Law & Order: Criminal Intent. In the episode "Weeping Willow", she played the role of Willow, a kidnapped video blogger, likely based on lonelygirl15.[28] Trachtenberg also appeared in the Fall Out Boy music video for "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race", the Joaquin Phoenix-directed music video for "Tired of Being Sorry" by Ringside, and the video for the Trapt song "Echo".

Trachtenberg in 2008

In 2006, Trachtenberg starred in Black Christmas, the remake of the 1974 slasher.[29] In 2007, she was cast as the female lead in an ABC comedy pilot called The Hill, based on the newspaper of the same name in Washington, D.C.[30]

Trachtenberg provided the voice of Tika Waylan for Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn Twilight, a direct-to-video animated film based on the novel of the same name.[31] She appeared on The CW hit show Gossip Girl, as Georgina Sparks, who recently left rehab and brings back the dark past Serena van der Woodsen desperately wants to leave behind.[32] She returned to the show for a multiple-episode story arc towards the end of season two.[33] Trachtenberg appeared in the season three finale and in season four. She also appeared several times in season five, and in almost every episode of season six, the show's final season.[34] In 2009, Trachtenberg was a cast member on the NBC drama series Mercy, which lasted one season.[35] She then returned to film, starring in the 2009 teen fantasy comedy 17 Again and had a small role in the comedy Cop Out (2010).[36]

### 2011–2024: Later work and final projects

[edit]

On June 9, 2011, Trachtenberg guest starred on Love Bites, as Jodie, who, after being unceremoniously dumped, decides – with a vengeance – to accept her ex's offer to "be friends". She reprised the role on June 16, 2011, and in the series finale on July 21, 2011. In the same year, Trachtenberg was a guest star on Weeds during its seventh season,[37] portraying Emma, a rival pot dealer who causes problems for Silas Botwin. In June 2012, Trachtenberg was cast in the film The Scribbler, produced by Gabriel Cowan.[38]

In March 2011, she was the featured cover girl in Maxim.[39] In the Criminal Minds episode "Zugzwang", Trachtenberg played Diane Turner, the criminal stalker of Spencer Reid's girlfriend, Maeve Donovan.[40]

In late 2015, Trachtenberg starred in the online series Guidance as Anna, the high school guidance counselor.[41] In 2016, she said she was a member of the Writers Guild of America and that she was working on several writing projects and continued to be inspired by her role in Harriet the Spy.[42] According to filmmaker Casey Tebo, she had written a screenplay based on the book Toy Monster.[43][44]

In 2022, Trachtenberg reprised her role as Georgina Sparks in the second season of the HBO revival of Gossip Girl.[45] In 2023, she had a voice role in Apple TV+'s animated series adaptation of Harriet the Spy.[46]

Trachtenberg had been set to make an appearance at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas on March 12, 2025.[47]

## Personal life and death

[edit]

At the time of her death, she had been in a romantic relationship with her agent, Jay Cohen, for five years.[48][49]

In early 2024, Trachtenberg addressed concerns on social media regarding her health after some people commented on her apparent weight loss and signs of jaundice. She reassured her followers that she was "happy and healthy".[50] Trachtenberg underwent a liver transplant in 2024.[51][52] Trachtenberg was found unresponsive by her mother in her Manhattan apartment on the morning of February 26, 2025, months after her liver transplant.[53][54] Emergency medical services were called and pronounced her dead at the scene;[50] she was 39 years old.[55] Authorities stated that her death was not being treated as suspicious.[56] A source told People that during the last year of her life, "She was really, really sick and open with those in her circle about how much she was struggling."[1]

Trachtenberg's family, who are Orthodox Jews, objected to an autopsy for religious reasons. There was no suspicion of criminality so the medical examiner did not overrule this objection. New York's Office of Chief Medical Examiner ruled that both the cause and manner of death were undetermined.[55] In April, the New York Chief Medical Examiner declared through toxicology reports that Trachtenberg had died from complications of diabetes,[1] which is sometimes a side effect of organ transplantation.[57]

Following her death, numerous celebrities expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Trachtenberg, including her Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl co-stars.[58][59][60] Harriet the Spy co-star Rosie O'Donnell said, "I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped."[61]

## Filmography

[edit]

### Film

[edit]

Year  | Title  | Role  | Notes  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

1995  | Melissa | Lena  | Uncredited  | [62]
1996  | Harriet the Spy | Harriet M. Welsch  |
1998  | Richie Rich's Christmas Wish | Gloria Glad  | Direct-to-video  | [63]
1999  | Inspector Gadget | Penny Brown  |  | [64]
Can't Be Heaven | Julie  |  | [5]
2004  | EuroTrip | Jenny  |  | [65]
Mysterious Skin | Wendy Peterson  |  | [66]
2005  | Ice Princess | Casey Carlyle  |  | [67]
2006  | Beautiful Ohio | Sandra  |  | [68]
Black Christmas | Melissa Kitt  |  | [29]
2008  | Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn Twilight | Tika Waylan  | Voice; direct-to-video  | [31]
2009  | Against the Current | Suzanne  |  | [69]
17 Again | Maggie O'Donnell  |  | [70]
2010  | Cop Out | Ava Monroe  |  | [71]
DC Showcase: Jonah Hex | Bar Girl  | Voice; short film  | [72]
2011  | Take Me Home Tonight | Ashley  |  | [73]
2013  | Sexy Evil Genius | Miranda Prague  | Direct-to-video  | [74]
2014  | The Scribbler | Alice / Veronica  |  | [75]
2024  | Spyral | Michelle Cody White  | Voice; documentary  | [76]

### Television

[edit]

Year  | Title  | Role  | Notes  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

1991  | Law & Order | Dinah Driscoll  | Episode: "God Bless the Child"; uncredited  | [67]
1993  | Clarissa Explains It All | Elsie Soaperstein  | Episode: "Babysitting"  | [77]
1993–1996  | All My Children | Lily Benton Montgomery  |  | [78]
1994–1996  | The Adventures of Pete & Pete | Nona F. Mecklenberg  | 14 episodes; recurring role (seasons 2–3)  | [79]
1996  | Dave's World | Angela  | Episode: "Solitaire"  | [80]
Space Cases | Prankster #1  | Episode: "All You Can Eaty"  | [81]
A Holiday for Love | Noelle Murphy  | Television film  | [82]
1997  | Meego | Maggie Parker  | 13 episodes; main role  | [5]
1998  | Blue's Clues | Herself  | Episode: "Blue's Birthday"  | [83]
Reading Rainbow | Voice; narrator; episode: "Math Curse"  | [83]
Guys Like Us | Katie  | Episode: "Maestro's First Crush"  | [81]
1998–1999  | Figure It Out | Herself  | Panelist; 12 episodes  | [84]
2000  | A Father's Choice | Kelly McClain  | Television film  | [85]
2000–2003  | Buffy the Vampire Slayer | Dawn Summers | 66 episodes; main role (seasons 5–7)  | [86]
2001–2003  | Truth or Scare | Herself  | Host and narrator; 20 episodes  | [87]
2004  | Six Feet Under | Celeste  | 4 episodes; guest role (season 4)  | [88]
2005  | The Dive from Clausen's Pier | Carrie Beal  | Television film  | [89]
2006  | House | Melinda Bardach  | Episode: "Safe"  | [90]
2006–2018  | Robot Chicken | Various characters  | Voice; 6 episodes; guest role (seasons 2–3, 5 & 9)  | [81]
2006  | Law & Order: Criminal Intent | Lisa Willow Tyler  | Episode: "Weeping Willow"  | [83]
2008–2012  | Gossip Girl | Georgina Sparks | 28 episodes; recurring role (seasons 1–6)  | [83]
2008  | The Circuit | Kylie Shines  | Television film  | [91]
2009–2010  | Mercy | Chloe Payne  | 22 episodes; main role (season 1)  | [81]
2009  | The Super Hero Squad Show | Valkyrie | Voice; 2 episodes; guest role (season 1)  | [92]
2011  | Love Bites | Jodie  | 3 episodes; guest role (season 1)  | [93]
Weeds | Emma Karlin  | 5 episodes; guest role (season 7)  | [81]
2013  | Criminal Minds | Diane Turner  | Episode: "Zugzwang"  | [40]
Killing Kennedy | Marina Oswald | Television film  | [94]
NCIS: Los Angeles | Lily Lockhart  | Episode: "Merry Evasion"  | [95]
2015  | Sleepy Hollow | Abigail Adams | Episode: "Pittura Infamante"  | [96]
SuperMansion | Blood Moon  | Voice; episode: "A Midsummer Night's Ream"  | [97]
The Christmas Gift | Megan  | Television film  | [81]
2016  | Chopped Junior | Herself  | Guest judge; 1 episode  | [81]
Sister Cities | Dallas Baxter  | Television film  | [98]
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver | Herself  | Guest; 1 episode  | [99]
2022–2023  | Gossip Girl | Georgina Sparks  | 2 episodes  | [45]
2023  | Harriet the Spy | Dr. Wagner  | Voice; episode: "I Am the Onion"  | [46]

### Web series

[edit]

Year  | Title  | Role  | Notes  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

2015  | Guidance | Anna  | 6 episodes  | [100]
2018  | Human Kind Of | Judy  | Voice; 21 episodes  | [101]
2021  | Meet, Marry, Murder | Host  | 13 episodes  | [102]

### Music videos

[edit]

Year  | Title  | Artist  | Ref.

|
|
|

2004  | "Echo"  | Trapt | [103]
2005  | "Tired of Being Sorry"  | Ringside
2007  | "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race"  | Fall Out Boy | [51]

## Awards and nominations

[edit]

Year  | Award  | Category  | Work  | Result  | Ref.

|
|
|
|
|

1997  | Young Artist Award | Best Performance in a Feature Film: Leading Young Actress | Harriet the Spy | Won  | [104]
1998  | Best Performance in a TV Comedy Series: Supporting Young Actress  | Meego | Won  | [20]
2000  | Best Young Actress in a Comedy Film  | Inspector Gadget | Nominated  | [105]
Best Performance in a Feature Film: Supporting Young Actress  | Nominated
2001  | Teen Choice Award | TV – Choice Sidekick  | Buffy the Vampire Slayer | Nominated  | [51]
Young Artist Award | Best Performance in a TV Drama Series: Supporting Young Actress  | Won  | [106]
Saturn Award | Best Supporting Actress on Television | Nominated  | [107]
2002  | Young Artist Award | Best Performance in a TV Comedy Series: Leading Young Actress  | Truth or Scare | Nominated  | [108]
Best Performance in a TV Comedy Series: Guest Starring Young Actress  | MADtv | Nominated
Saturn Award | Best Supporting Television Actress  | Buffy the Vampire Slayer | Nominated  | [109]
2003  | Nominated  | [110]
2004  | Daytime Emmy Award | Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series | Truth or Scare | Nominated  | [111]
2007  | Sarasota Film Festival | Breakthrough Performer  | Beautiful Ohio | Won  | [112]
2012  | Teen Choice Award | Choice TV Villain  | Gossip Girl | Nominated  | [51]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c Wenger, Stephanie; Esquibias, Liza; Ross, Alex (April 16, 2025). "Michelle Trachtenberg's Official Cause of Death Revealed After 'Gossip Girl' Star Died at 39". People. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
2. ^ a b Williams, Alex; Levenson, Michael (February 26, 2025). "Michelle Trachtenberg, 'Gossip Girl' and 'Buffy' Actress, Dies at 39". The New York Times. Archived from the original on February 27, 2025. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
3. ^ Saad, Nardine; Del Rosario, Alexandra (February 26, 2025). "Michelle Trachtenberg, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl actor, dies at 39". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on February 27, 2025. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
4. ^ a b c Comiter, Jordana (February 26, 2025). "Michelle Trachtenberg's Family: All About the Late Actress' Parents and Sister — and Why Her Mom Was Her 'Inspiring Force'". People.com. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
5. ^ a b c Gardner, Chris (February 26, 2025). "Michelle Trachtenberg, 'Gossip Girl' and 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Star, Dies at 39". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 26, 2025. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
6. ^ "Relearning Russian: Michelle Trachtenberg talks challenging role in 'Killing Kennedy'". Fox News. March 25, 2015. Archived from the original on February 18, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
7. ^ "Michelle Trachtenberg Gets Futuristic For HuffPost's #nofilter". Huffington Post. November 8, 2013. Archived from the original on November 24, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2025.
8. ^ "James Marsters and Michelle Trachtenberg interview". contactmusic.com. April 2004. Archived from the original on August 4, 2004. Retrieved March 14, 2007.
9. ^ Radish, Christina (November 10, 2013). "Michelle Trachtenberg Talks KILLING KENNEDY, Chasing the Project, What Drew Her to Marina Oswald & Working with Will Rothhaar on Character Dynamics". Collider. Archived from the original on February 18, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
10. ^ Butler, Karen (March 19, 2005). "ON 'ICE': Sheepshead Bay native talks of tough workouts for lead in 'Ice Princess'". The Brooklyn Paper. Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved November 16, 2009. "When Michelle Trachtenberg was a young girl growing up in Sheepshead Bay, she dreamed of being a championship ice skater like her childhood idols, Michelle Kwan and Oksana Baiul."
11. ^ "The blue paint scene from 'Harriet the Spy' gets an oral history". EW.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2018. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
12. ^ "Michelle Trachtenberg Reflects on Being Bullied in School on Valentine's Day: 'Kids Were Cruel'". People.com. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
13. ^ Wilson, Mara (March 18, 2025). "My Cool Friend Michelle". Vulture. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
14. ^ Morales, Tatiana (March 18, 2005). "Find And Fight For Your Dream". CBS News. Archived from the original on September 6, 2014. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
15. ^ a b Koltow, Barry (July 11, 1996). "Defining where 'Harriet' ends, Michelle Trachtenberg begins". The Orange County Register. Archived from the original on October 17, 2012. Retrieved March 9, 2008 - via The Free Library.
16. ^ Longeretta, Emily (February 27, 2025). "Sarah Michelle Gellar Tells Buffy Sister Michelle Trachtenberg That 'I Will Live… For You' in Emotional Tribute: 'I Will Always Love You'". Variety. Archived from the original on February 27, 2025. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
17. ^ Lloyd, Robert (February 26, 2025). "As Nona in Pete & Pete. Michelle Trachtenberg was joyful, dancing with abandon". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on February 27, 2025. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
18. ^ a b Grobar, Matt (February 26, 2025). "Michelle Trachtenberg Dies: Buffy The Vampire Slayer, EuroTrip & Gossip Girl Actor Was 39". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 28, 2025. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
19. ^ Eakin, Marah (July 5, 2012). "Exploring The Adventures Of Pete And Pete's genesis and highlights (Part 3 of 4)". The A.V. Club. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
20. ^ a b "19th Annual Youth in Film Awards 1996–1997". Young Artist Award. Archived from the original on July 16, 2015. Retrieved January 10, 2015.
21. ^ Gonzalez, Sandra; Gingras, Brynn; Heching, Dan (February 26, 2025). "Michelle Trachtenberg, of Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, dead at 39". CNN. Archived from the original on February 27, 2025. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
22. ^ "TV show seeks truth behind the scare". Chicago Tribune. October 24, 2001. p. 66\. Archived from the original on March 1, 2025. Retrieved February 28, 2025 - via Newspapers.com.
23. ^ Powell, W. Andrew (January 28, 2014). "'EuroTrip' and the Michelle Trachtenberg connection". The GATE. Archived from the original on September 29, 2022. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
24. ^ "Michelle Trachtenberg Interview: Mysterious Skin". www.radiofree.com. Archived from the original on December 25, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
25. ^ "Actress channels Britney for Six Feet Under role". EW.com. Archived from the original on February 26, 2025. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
26. ^ "MOVIE REVIEW: Ice Princess | Arts | The Harvard Crimson". www.thecrimson.com. Archived from the original on February 26, 2025. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
27. ^ "Michelle Trachtenberg about her Guest Appearance on House @ Conan O'Brien 22/12/2006". YouTube. August 18, 2010. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2014.
28. ^ Devoe, Noelle (September 22, 2015). "16 Celebs Who Got Their Start on "Law & Order"". Seventeen. Archived from the original on October 29, 2019. Retrieved October 29, 2019.
29. ^ a b Bullard, Benjamin (April 5, 2024). "Slay Bells Ring! Remembering 2006 Horror Remake Black Christmas". Syfy. Archived from the original on May 24, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
30. ^ "Trachtenberg goes to Washington in ABC comedy". Reuters. March 8, 2007. Archived from the original on September 19, 2020. Retrieved March 14, 2007.
31. ^ a b Harvey, Ryan (June 30, 2009). "Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn Twilight". Black Gate. Archived from the original on July 2, 2009. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
32. ^ Ausiello, Michael (March 19, 2008). "Gossip Girl casts Buffy alumna Michelle Trachtenberg". Ausiello Report, TV Guide. Archived from the original on June 3, 2008.
33. ^ "Michelle Trachtenberg to Return to Gossip Girl". People. January 5, 2009. Archived from the original on October 18, 2012.
34. ^ Godwin, Jennifer (May 18, 2009). "This Just In: Is Georgina Joining Gossip Girl?". E! Online. Archived from the original on May 22, 2009. Retrieved May 30, 2009.
35. ^ Cutler, Jacqueline (September 30, 2009). "'Mercy' seeking place among TV season's pack of nurse shows". The Oklahoman. Archived from the original on October 29, 2019. Retrieved October 29, 2019.
36. ^ McNary, Dave (December 27, 2009). "Kevin Smith's 'Dicks' becomes 'Cop Out'". Variety. Retrieved January 9, 2010.
37. ^ Hibberd, James (June 27, 2011). "Michelle Trachtenberg cast as pot dealer on Weeds". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved February 4, 2014.
38. ^ Fleming, Mike (May 9, 2012). "'The Scribbler' Starts Production With Katie Cassidy Starring". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on September 6, 2014. Retrieved February 4, 2014.
39. ^ "Michelle Trachtenberg". Maxim.com. Archived from the original on February 11, 2011. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
40. ^ a b Gonzalez, Sandra (November 5, 2012). "'Criminal Minds': Michelle Trachtenberg to guest star". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
41. ^ "What Has Michelle Trachtenberg Been Doing Since 'Gossip Girl'? The Former 'Buffy' Star Has Been Busy". Bustle. March 29, 2017. Archived from the original on December 29, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
42. ^ "How 'Harriet the Spy' Still Inspires Michelle Trachtenberg, 20 Years Later". EW.com. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
43. ^ Roos, Meghan (February 26, 2025). "Will Michelle Trachtenberg's Final Project Be Released? Film Producer Speaks Out". Parade. Archived from the original on February 28, 2025. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
44. ^ "Michelle Trachtenberg Wrote a Screenplay Before Her Death but Producer Says Studio Couldn't Recognize Her 'Incredible' Writing". People.com. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
45. ^ a b Ray, Alyssa (December 29, 2022). "Michelle Trachtenberg's Georgina Sparks Just Made Her Gossip Girl Return—And It Was Epic". E! Online. Archived from the original on December 30, 2022. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
46. ^ a b Boyle, Kelli (May 2, 2023). "Michelle Trachtenberg Returns to 'Harriet the Spy' in Season 2 Sneak Peek". TV Insider. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
47. ^ "Michelle Trachtenberg Was Set to Make Upcoming Appearance at SXSW Festival Before Her Death". People. Archived from the original on March 1, 2025. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
48. ^ Macke, Johnni (October 10, 2020). "Michelle Trachtenberg Is Dating Her Talent Agent Jay Cohen". Us Weekly. Archived from the original on August 14, 2024. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
49. ^ Siwak, Miranda (February 27, 2025). "Michelle Trachtenberg's Boyfriend Was a 'Huge Support System': Sources". Us Weekly. Archived from the original on March 1, 2025. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
50. ^ a b Wenger, Stephanie (February 28, 2025). "Michelle Trachtenberg Hit Back at Critics Questioning Her Health 1 Year Before Her Death: 'Check Yourself, Haters'". People. Archived from the original on February 26, 2025. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
51. ^ a b c d Blackwelder, Carson; Leib, Mason (February 26, 2025). "Buffy and Gossip Girl actress Michelle Trachtenberg dead at 39". ABC News. United States: American Broadcasting Company. Archived from the original on February 26, 2025. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
52. ^ Bowman, Sabienna (February 26, 2025). "Michelle Trachtenberg Had a Liver Transplant Months Before Death at Age 39". People. Archived from the original on February 26, 2025. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
53. ^ Mishkin, Mike (February 26, 2025). "Michelle Trachtenberg Found Dead at Columbus Circle Apartment: Reports". iLovetheUpperWestSide.com. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
54. ^ Entertainment Tonight (February 27, 2025). Michelle Trachtenberg Death: Sarah Michelle Gellar Rewrites Buffy Quote in Tribute. Retrieved February 27, 2025 - via YouTube.
55. ^ a b Katersky, Aaron (February 27, 2025). "Michelle Trachtenberg's family objects to autopsy, leaving cause of death undetermined". ABC News. Archived from the original on March 2, 2025. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
56. ^ "Michelle Trachtenberg: Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl star dies at 39". BBC News. February 27, 2025. Archived from the original on February 27, 2025. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
57. ^ Shultz, Cara Lynn (April 17, 2025). "Michelle Trachtenberg Died from Diabetes at 39. That's Rare, but Here's How It Can Happen". People. Archived from the original on April 17, 2025.
58. ^ Brown, Kimberly J. (February 26, 2025). ""Some of my fondest memories from the early days of my career in NYC include Michelle Trachtenberg."". Kimberly J. Brown on Facebook. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
59. ^ "Photos from Stars React to Michelle Trachtenberg's Death". E! Online. February 27, 2025. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
60. ^ Hanni, Janine (February 27, 2025). "Princess Eugenie's Heartbreak at the Death of 'True' Friend Michelle Trachtenberg: Inside Their Bond". People. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
61. ^ Juneau, Jen (February 26, 2025). "Rosie O'Donnell Says Harriet the Spy Costar Michelle Trachtenberg 'Struggled' Before Her Death: 'I Loved Her'". People. Archived from the original on February 27, 2025. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
62. ^ Boardman, Madeline (March 30, 2023). "Harriet the Spy cast: Where are they now?". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on February 26, 2025. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
63. ^ "42 Christmas Movies You Can Watch on Disney+ Now (Including Two of the Holiday Season's Most Iconic Franchises!)". People. December 15, 2024. Archived from the original on February 19, 2025. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
64. ^ "Live-Action 'Inspector Gadget' Movie in Development at Disney". Variety. October 4, 2019. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
65. ^ Zacharek, Stephanie (February 20, 2004). ""Eurotrip" - Review". Salon.com. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
66. ^ Lattanzio, Ryan (August 14, 2024). "Gregg Araki on the 'Raw Nerve' of Abuse 'Mysterious Skin' Still Hits: 'You Leave That Movie Literally Traumatized'". IndieWire. Archived from the original on February 4, 2025. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
67. ^ a b Miller, Brittany (February 26, 2025). "Michelle Trachtenberg dead: Ice Princess and Gossip Girl actress was 39". The Independent. Archived from the original on February 26, 2025. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
68. ^ Debruge, Peter (November 15, 2006). "Beautiful Ohio - Review". Variety. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
69. ^ Honeycutt, Kirk (January 22, 2009). "Film Review: Against the Current". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 30, 2022. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
70. ^ Jensen, Erin (April 17, 2024). "Matthew Perry hailed for '17 Again' comedy chops: 'He'd figure out a scene down to the atoms'". USA Today. Archived from the original on April 19, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
71. ^ Ruiz, Michelle (February 23, 2010). "Trachtenberg at the Cop Out Premiere". Vulture. Archived from the original on November 26, 2023. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
72. ^ "First images from the « Jonah Hex » animated short". ComicBox. May 27, 2010. Archived from the original on November 6, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
73. ^ Honeycutt, Kirk (March 1, 2011). "Take Me Home Tonight: Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 21, 2025. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
74. ^ Kit, Borys (June 1, 2011). "Seth Green, Michelle Trachtenberg Join Indie 'Sexy Evil Genius'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
75. ^ "XLrator Media Picks Up 'The Scribbler' Starring Katie Cassidy, Eliza Dushku, Sasha Grey". TheWrap. December 20, 2013. Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
76. ^ Whittaker, Richard (December 23, 2021). "One in a Crowd: Spiral". The Austin Chronicle. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
77. ^ "16 Stars You Forgot Were On TEENick Shows". Entertainment Weekly. March 4, 2016. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
78. ^ "'All My Children': Famous Alums of ABC's Daytime Drama". The Hollywood Reporter. September 22, 2011. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
79. ^ "The Ten Most Memorable Guest Stars of The Adventures of Pete and Pete". Vulture. March 14, 2011. Archived from the original on April 5, 2023. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
80. ^ Fetts, Bruce (September 13, 1996). "Friday's returning shows". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
81. ^ a b c d e f g Carter, Brooke (October 26, 2022). "What Happened to Michelle Trachtenberg". Gazette Review. Archived from the original on November 4, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
82. ^ "A Holiday for Love: Full Cast and Crew". TV Guide.
83. ^ a b c d McCluskey, Megan (February 26, 2025). "Michelle Trachtenberg, Star of Harriet the Spy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dies at 39". Time. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
84. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 7, 2012). "Nickelodeon Revives 1990s Game Show 'Figure It Out' With 40-Episode Order". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 26, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
85. ^ Zahed, Ramin (January 10, 2000). "A Father's Choice". Variety. Archived from the original on August 10, 2016. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
86. ^ "Buffy reunion: Michelle Trachtenberg talks fan backlash to Dawn". Entertainment Weekly. April 4, 2017. Archived from the original on December 12, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
87. ^ Monaghan, Carol (October 24, 2001). "TV show seeks truth behind the scare". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
88. ^ L. Barr, Karyn (July 16, 2004). "Actress channels Britney for Six Feet Under role". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on February 26, 2025. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
89. ^ Wiegand, David (July 25, 2005). "REVIEW / 'Pier' leaps into deep end, does belly flop". SFGate. Archived from the original on August 24, 2017. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
90. ^ Smith, Nasha (January 7, 2019). "27 celebrities you forgot appeared on 'House'". Business Insider. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
91. ^ Nordyke, Kimbery (July 16, 2007). "Pair race to Family 'Circuit'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 16, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
92. ^ Johar, Vritti (March 21, 2024). "The Super Hero Squad Show Season 2 Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via Disney Plus". Comingsoon.net. Archived from the original on March 31, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
93. ^ Vineyard, Jennifer (June 9, 2011). "Love Bites's Becki Newton on the Show's Long Delay, Cheating on NBC, and Marrying a Stooge". Vulture. Archived from the original on March 2, 2020. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
94. ^ Lloyd, Robert (November 8, 2013). "Review: 'Killing Kennedy' is not the stuff of legend". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on December 16, 2013. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
95. ^ "VIDEO: Michelle Trachtenberg Finds Herself Under Fire on NCIS: LA". The State Journal-Register. December 16, 2013. Archived from the original on February 26, 2025. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
96. ^ Roots, Kimberly (January 19, 2015). "Sleepy Hollow Recap: Antiques Horror Show". TVLine. Archived from the original on February 26, 2025. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
97. ^ Wolfe, Jennifer (November 5, 2015). "Michelle Trachtenberg Guest Starring on 'SuperMansion'". Animation World Network. Archived from the original on December 12, 2015. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
98. ^ "'Pretty Little Liars' Actress Troian Bellisario, Stana Katic to Star in Indie 'Sister Cities'". Variety. July 20, 2015. Archived from the original on July 29, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
99. ^ Bradley, Laura (March 14, 2016). "John Oliver Made a Brutally Honest Apple Commercial to Explain Its Encryption Battle With the FBI". Slate. Archived from the original on June 5, 2019. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
100. ^ Palmieri, Lea (October 12, 2016). "Gasp! Scandalous Teen Drama Series 'Guidance' Is Returning For Season Two". Decider. Archived from the original on March 29, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
101. ^ Amidi, Amid (September 17, 2018). "Cartuna Is Launching 2 Original Animated Series On Facebook Watch". Cartoon Brew. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
102. ^ Vlessing, Etan (April 12, 2021). "Michelle Trachtenberg to Host 'Meet, Marry, Murder' Docu-Series". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on December 26, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
103. ^ Schaffner, Lauryn (February 26, 2025). "Michelle Trachtenberg, actress with cameos in 2000s rock music videos, dead at 39". Loudwire. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
104. ^ "18th Annual Youth in Film Awards 1995–1996". Young Artist Award. Archived from the original on April 2, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2015.
105. ^ "21st Annual Young Artist Awards for 1998–1999". Young Artist Award. Archived from the original on April 3, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2015.
106. ^ "22nd Annual Young Artist Awards 1999–2000". Young Artist Award. Archived from the original on September 28, 2014. Retrieved January 10, 2015.
107. ^ "Nominees for 27th annual Saturn Awards". UPI. April 4, 2001. Archived from the original on March 26, 2022. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
108. ^ "23rd Annual Young Artist Awards 2002". Young Artist Award. Archived from the original on April 10, 2016. Retrieved January 10, 2015.
109. ^ Variety Staff (March 13, 2002). "'Potter' leads Saturn kudos". Variety. Archived from the original on July 3, 2017. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
110. ^ Phillips, Jevon (March 6, 2003). "'Towers,' 'Report' top Saturn nominees". Variety. Archived from the original on January 6, 2022. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
111. ^ "31st Annual Daytime Emmy Award Nomination" (PDF). emmyonline.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 21, 2013. Retrieved January 10, 2015. (Archived Link added on February 26, 2025)
112. ^ Echeverria, Steve Jr. (April 21, 2007). "And the winners are..." Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved February 26, 2025.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Michelle Trachtenberg.

Wikiquote has quotations related to Michelle Trachtenberg.

* Michelle Trachtenberg on Twitter
* Michelle Trachtenberg on Instagram
* Michelle Trachtenberg at IMDb
* Michelle Trachtenberg at the TCM Movie Database
* Michelle Trachtenberg discography at Discogs

* v
* t
* e

Young Artist Award for Best Leading Young Actress in a Feature Film

* Diane Lane (1979)
* Diane Lane (1980)
* Kristy McNichol (1981)
* Aileen Quinn (1982)
* Roxana Zal (1983)
* Molly Ringwald (1984)
* Meredith Salenger (1985)
* Laura Jacoby (1986)
* Lisa Bonet / Maia Brewton / Christa Denton / Lea Thompson (1987)
* Mayim Bialik / Kristy Swanson / Hayley Taylor-Block (1988)
* Winona Ryder (1989)
* Robin Weisman (1990)
* Thora Birch (1991)
* Alisan Porter (1992)
* Thora Birch / Ariana Richards / Christina Vidal (1993)
* Anna Chlumsky (1994)
* Anna Chlumsky (1995)
* Michelle Trachtenberg (1996)
* Mara Wilson (1997)
* Lindsay Lohan / Jena Malone (1998)
* Kimberly J. Brown (1999)
* Elizabeth Huett (2000)
* Scarlett Johansson / Emma Watson (2001)
* Alexa Vega (2002)
* Jenna Boyd (2003)
* Emmy Rossum (2004)
* Dakota Fanning (2005)
* Keke Palmer (2006)
* AnnaSophia Robb (2007)
* Dakota Fanning (2008)
* Abigail Breslin (2009)
* Hailee Steinfeld (2010)
* Chloë Grace Moretz (2011)
* Kathryn Newton / Quvenzhané Wallis (2012)
* Sophie Nélisse / Loreto Peralta (2013)
* Quvenzhané Wallis (2014)
* Quinn McColgan / Liv Southard (2015)
* Sofia Rosinsky (2016)
* Savannah Liles (2017)
* Chalet Lizette Brannan (2018)
* Lexy Kolker (2019)

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF
* WorldCat

National|

* Germany
* United States
* France
* BnF data
* Czech Republic
* Spain
* Netherlands
* Norway
* Korea
* Poland
* Israel

Artists|

* MusicBrainz

People|

* Deutsche Synchronkartei

Other|

* IdRef

*[Ref.]: Reference(s)
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template