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Michelle Trachtenberg, Star of Buffy and Gossip Girl, Dies at 39

By PatrickMar 29,2025

Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Gossip Girl," has passed away at the age of 39, as reported by The Post. Her death is not considered suspicious, according to police sources.

ABC News reported that Trachtenberg was found dead by her mother on Wednesday in her New York City apartment near Columbus Circle. It was noted that she had recently undergone a liver transplant and might have been dealing with complications related to it.

Authorities believe Trachtenberg died of natural causes, and no foul play is suspected. An autopsy will be conducted to confirm the cause and manner of her death.

Michelle Trachtenberg in November 2023. Photo by Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty Images.

Trachtenberg's career began at the age of nine with her appearance on the 1990s Nickelodeon show "The Adventures of Pete and Pete." She made her film debut in 1996 with "Harriet the Spy."

She gained fame for her role as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Sarah Michelle Gellar's character Buffy, in the teen drama series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" from 2000 to 2003. Trachtenberg also starred as Jenny in the 2004 teen sex comedy "EuroTrip" and as Casey Carlyle in the 2005 teen sports comedy-drama "Ice Princess."

In more recent years, Trachtenberg portrayed Georgina Sparks in the teen drama series "Gossip Girl," which aired from 2007 to 2012. She reprised this role in the second season of HBO Max's standalone sequel series.

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