Sarah Michelle Gellar Honors Michelle Trachtenberg After Her Untimely Passing at 39

Sarah Michelle Gellar paid a heartfelt tribute to Michelle Trachtenberg, who sadly passed away at 39, US Weekly reported. Gellar expressed her love through an Instagram message on February 27. She quoted their characters from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," saying, "Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you." She referenced a significant moment from the series by quoting Dawn’s poignant line: "The hardest thing in this world is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you. 💔💔💔🗝️"

Gellar accompanied her message with images of them together, set to Sarah McLachlan’s "I Will Always Remember You."

On February 26, police confirmed that Trachtenberg had died in her New York City apartment. The cause has yet to be announced, though authorities do not suspect foul play. Trachtenberg gained fame as Dawn, Buffy’s sister, beginning in season five of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" in 2000. Their connection, however, began earlier.

Gellar and Trachtenberg met in 1993 while working on "All My Children." Gellar played Kendall Hart from 1993 to 1995, and Trachtenberg played Lily Montgomery from 1993 to 1996.

Just a month before her death, Trachtenberg shared a nostalgic photo of herself and Gellar wearing matching denim jackets in 2014. She tweeted, "Slay all day! Always loved this twinning photo of us! #buffy #dawn 🤪 #sister #womancrushwednesday" on January 22.

In 2022, Trachtenberg celebrated the 25th anniversary of "Buffy" with a heartfelt post showing their long-lasting friendship. She remarked, "Happy 25th anniversary, big sister, of the premiere of your show #buffythevampireslayer." She also included a photo of them at the 2001 Teen Choice Awards, memory of Gellar giving her a shirt for presenting an award: "You have always been a badass. You still are. 🗝🔮❤️ but I’m also still taller. 😜 @sarahmgellar."

In celebrating Trachtenberg's 30th birthday in 2015, Gellar reflected on their bond, stating she would always consider Trachtenberg her sister despite the younger actress now being taller. "You will always be my little sister. You have the #key to my heart," Gellar remarked.

Recently, Gellar has faced considerable loss. In July 2024, she grieved for her good friend Shannen Doherty, who died at age 53 after a long battle with cancer.

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