‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘Buffy’ actress Michelle Trachtenberg dead at 39, reports say

Trachtenberg starred in a number of children’s movies before getting a breakout role as Dawn in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
Credit: (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
Michelle Trachtenberg arrives at the Women in Film 2015 Crystal And Lucy Awards at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, June 16, 2015 in Los Angeles.

WASHINGTON — Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in “Gossip Girl,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and “Harriet the Spy,” has died, according to several media outlets. She was 39.

Multiple media outlets reported Wednesday that the “Gossip Girl” star was found dead by authorities in her New York City apartment, citing police sources. No cause of death was immediately disclosed.

The New York Post was first to report the news.

Her death comes a year after she addressed online concerns about her health, saying she was “happy and healthy.”

Trachtenberg, born on Oct. 11, 1985, began appearing in TV commercials at the age of 3 and even landed a recurring role as Lily Montgomery on the soap drama “All of My Children.”

She starred in several children’s shows and movies including “Harriet the Spy” and “Inspector Gadget,” before landing a breakout role as Dawn in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar.

She is also known for her portrayal of Georgina Sparks in “Gossip Girl.”

Trachtenberg’s last credited role was in MAX’s “Gossip Girl” reboot, where she reprised her role as Georgina Sparks.

This is a breaking news story. Check back later for more. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *