‘Gossip Girl,’ ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ actress Michelle Trachtenberg dies at 39
FILE – Michelle Trachtenberg appears at the Critics’ Choice Television Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., on June 19, 2014 (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)
LOS ANGELES – The entertainment world was reeling Wednesday over the shocking death of 39-year-old actress Michelle Trachtenberg, who achieved fame as a child, starred in “Harriet the Spy” and appeared in iconic shows such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl.”
According to reports out of New York, the young actress was found dead Tuesday morning inside her Manhattan apartment by her mother. There was no immediate word on a cause of death, although various media outlets reported that the actress had recently undergone a liver transplant.
Authorities indicated no foul play was suspected in her death.
She first gained attention as a child with various Nickelodeon roles, including “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” and “Harriet the Spy.”
Fellow ex-Nickelodeon star Kenan Thompson paid tribute to Trachtenberg on Instagram, posting a video and photo with the caption, “Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! Check on your people!!”
David Boreanaz, who appeared with Trachtenberg in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” wrote on Instagram, “So very sad … horiible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family.”
Actress Melissa Joan Hart posted video of the pair in a scene from “Clarissa Explains It All,” writing, “I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of (Trachtenberg). So young, so talented and so sweet!”
Rosie O’Donnell, who shared the screen with the young actress in “Harriet the Spy,” wrote in a statement, “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
In a statement to People magazine, “Buffy” co-star James Marsters wrote, “My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her. My heart goes out to her family, who are good people and are suffering the greatest loss anyone could bear. I hope everyone can give them space to heal in this most difficult time.” (CNS)
