Michelle Trachtenberg, known for ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Gossip Girl,’ has passed away at 39.

Michelle Trachtenberg, who was known for her roles as a child star and later as a popular teen actress, has sadly passed away at the age of 39. She was recognized for her performances in the 1996 movie “Harriet the Spy” and in famous television series like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl.”

According to the police, they received a 911 call around 8 a.m. regarding an emergency at a luxury apartment building in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen area. When officers arrived, they found Trachtenberg unconscious and unresponsive. Paramedics declared her dead at the location. Authorities have stated that there are no signs of foul play, and the New York Medical Examiner is looking into the cause of her death. Trachtenberg’s family has requested privacy during this difficult time, as stated by her representative.

Michelle began her acting career at a young age, landing the role of Nona Mecklenberg on the Nickelodeon show “The Adventures of Pete & Pete,” which aired from 1994 to 1996. She then starred in the movie adaptations of “Harriet the Spy” and “Inspector Gadget,” where she shared the screen with Matthew Broderick. Debby Beece, president of Nickelodeon Movies, once commented on her appeal, saying, “Everyone can identify with her,” highlighting Michelle’s genuine and relatable persona.

In 2000, she joined the cast of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” playing Dawn Summers, the sister of the main character, for three years. Later, in 2021, after actress Sarah Michelle Gellar spoke out against Joss Whedon, the showrunner of “Buffy,” Trachtenberg expressed her gratitude to Gellar for addressing issues of inappropriate behavior, mentioning her own experiences as a teenage actor.

In 2001, Michelle was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for her work on the Discovery show “Truth or Scare.” She landed roles in several popular shows like “Six Feet Under,” “Weeds,” and “Gossip Girl,” where she portrayed Georgina Sparks, a character known for her scheming nature. Her role earned her a nomination as a TV villain at the Teen Choice Awards in 2012. Trachtenberg enjoyed playing the antagonist, saying it was more exciting than being the good character.

She also appeared in the revival of “Gossip Girl” in 2021, making guest appearances. Trachtenberg even featured in a music video for Fall Out Boy’s song “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race,” further solidifying her place in the pop culture of the early 2000s.

Following her passing, many in Hollywood took to social media to express their sorrow. David Boreanaz, her co-star from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” described the news as deeply sad. Actress Melissa Gilbert, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in “A Holiday for Love,” expressed her condolences, saying her heart ached for the family and loved ones of Michelle.

Throughout her career, Michelle also took on various roles in films such as “Ice Princess,” where she portrayed a figure skater, and the comedy “EuroTrip.” She worked along with Zac Efron and Leslie Mann in “17 Again” and played a troubled character in an episode of “Criminal Minds.” In the movie “Killing Kennedy,” where she took on the role of Lee Harvey Oswald’s wife, she interestingly delivered about 80% of her lines in Russian, a language she learned from her mother.

Her extensive filmography includes supporting roles in “Mysterious Skin” and “Black Christmas,” and she starred in the NBC medical drama “Mercy.” More recently, she hosted the true-crime series “Meet, Marry, Murder” on Tubi. Michelle Trachtenberg’s diverse career and memorable roles have left a lasting mark on her fans and the entertainment industry.