Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” has died at the age of 39. News of her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from former co-stars, including Blake Lively, who honored Trachtenberg in an emotional message. Lively, who starred as Serena van der Woodsen in “Gossip Girl,” described Trachtenberg, who played Georgina Sparks, as a vibrant and unique presence. “She was electric,” Lively wrote in her tribute, also noting, “You could feel the shift in the atmosphere the moment she walked into a room. Everything she engaged in, she committed to with full intensity”. Lively praised Trachtenberg’s infectious laughter, her courage to confront authority, and her deep passion for her craft. “She was genuinely kind, in every sense,” Lively reflected, also acknowledging how time can lead people to overlook the importance of reconnecting with old friends. Other “Gossip Girl” alumni, including creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, have also expressed their condolences.

Michelle Trachtenberg was found unresponsive in her New York City apartment on Wednesday morning. Police sources told ABC News that Trachtenberg’s mother found her just after 8 a.m. local time. Emergency services were called to the scene, where she was pronounced dead. According to CNN, an NYPD source indicated that Trachtenberg had recently experienced a medical issue, and her death appeared to be due to natural causes. However, the official cause of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner’s office, and an autopsy will be conducted. Authorities have stated that foul play is not suspected. Trachtenberg’s representative confirmed her death and requested privacy for her family during this difficult time. “It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away,” the statement read. “The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time”.

Born and raised in New York City, Michelle Trachtenberg began her acting career as a child, gaining recognition in Nickelodeon projects such as “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” and the film “Harriet the Spy”. In “Harriet the Spy,” she starred alongside Rosie O’Donnell, who she said was her “biggest supporter” during filming. O’Donnell also expressed her sorrow upon hearing the news, describing Trachtenberg’s passing as “heartbreaking” and said, “I loved her very much”. Trachtenberg’s career continued to rise with her role as Dawn Summers in the WB’s “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” where she played Buffy’s younger sister. Later, she took on the role of Georgina Sparks in the CW hit “Gossip Girl,” a character known for stirring up drama.

Michelle Trachtenberg’s diverse filmography includes roles in “EuroTrip,” “Ice Princess,” and “17 Again”. She also had guest roles in acclaimed dramas such as “Six Feet Under” and “House,” and she starred in the NBC medical series “Mercy”. In the 2013 film “Killing Kennedy,” Trachtenberg portrayed the wife of Lee Harvey Oswald, delivering approximately 80% of her dialogue in Russian, a language she learned from her mother. More recently, she hosted the true-crime docuseries “Meet, Marry, Murder” on Tubi. Just a week before her death, Trachtenberg shared photos on social media from past red carpet events, reminiscing about the fashion and expressing gratitude for her experiences.