Michelle Trachtenberg, Actress Known for Gossip Girl and Harriet the Spy, Passes Away at 39

Michelle Trachtenberg, celebrated for her roles in Gossip Girl, Harriet the Spy, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has tragically passed away at 39. The loss has impacted the Hollywood community deeply.

The New York Police Department confirmed her passing to E! News on Feb. 26. Trachtenberg rose to prominence in her early career through Harriet the Spy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Later, she gained recognition for her role as Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl.

According to NYPD reports, police received a 911 call around 8 a.m. Upon reaching the scene, they discovered Trachtenberg "unconscious and unresponsive." Emergency Medical Services pronounced her dead shortly after. The NYPD noted: "Criminality is not suspected. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death."

ABC News reported that Trachtenberg's mother discovered her in the actress's New York City apartment. The source also revealed Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant recently and "may have been experiencing complications."

Trachtenberg's representative confirmed her passing, stating that "the family requests privacy for their loss" and added, "There are no further details at this time."

Ed Westwick, her Gossip Girl co-star, was among the first to express condolences on social media. On Instagram Stories, he wrote on Feb. 26, "So sad to hear of the passing of @MichelleTrachtenberg, sending prayers."

Although Trachtenberg had not appeared on screen in recent years, her last credits included her return as Georgina Sparks in the Gossip Girl reboot in 2022. She remained active on social media, with her last Instagram post shared on Feb. 18.

Days before her passing, Trachtenberg posted a throwback photo from a red carpet event, captioning it: "A memory, a magical night in #newyork. I remember feeling like Cinderella! Wishing everyone an ethereal weekend."

On Feb. 14, she paid tribute to talent agent Jay Cohen via Instagram, sharing a Halloween photo with the caption, "Happy Valentine’s Day to the man who sits still long enough for me to paint his face."

In January 2024, Trachtenberg engaged with fans concerning her health after posting selfies online. Responding to a commenter, she stated, "Explain to me how I look sick. Did you lose a calendar and not realize I'm not 14. I'm 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment."