Michelle Trachtenberg: Beloved Actress Known for "Buffy" and "Gossip Girl" Dies at Age 39

Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress famous for her roles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Gossip Girl," has died at the age of 39, confirmed by the New York Police Department.

The NYPD reported that emergency responders found Trachtenberg "unconscious and unresponsive" at her Manhattan residence, where she was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials have indicated her death is not under investigation, as "criminality is not suspected." The medical examiner will establish the official cause of death, while the inquiry proceeds.

Starting her career at just three years old in Nickelodeon's "The Adventures of Pete & Pete," Trachtenberg gained significant recognition through her role as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the titular character in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." She earned accolades including several nominations for a Daytime Emmy Award during her time on the show. Her film credits also span notable works like "Harriet the Spy," "EuroTrip," and "Ice Princess.”

Trachtenberg became a memorable figure in the 2000s teen drama, "Gossip Girl," portraying the scheming Georgina Sparks, a role she reprised both in the original series from 2007 to 2012 and in two episodes of the 2023 HBO Max reboot. The last role she took on was as the host of a true crime series, "Meet, Marry, Murder," which aired on Tubi in 2021.

Her legacy is marked by a tumultuous past, including allegations against "Buffy" creator Joss Whedon, where Trachtenberg and her co-star Charisma Carpenter voiced concerns about Whedon's behavior on set. Whedon has denied the allegations.

As this news unfolds, tributes are expected to pour in, honoring the actress who left an indelible mark on television and film.