‘Buffy’ Star Michelle Trachtenberg Dies at 39

Michelle Trachtenberg, who starred in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” has died at just 39

The NYPD Deputy Commissioner Public Information confirmed to "Extra," "On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at approximately 0801 hours, police responded to a 911 call of an aided individual at 1 Columbus Place, within the confines of the Midtown North Precinct. Upon arrival, officers observed a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive. EMS responded to the location and pronounced the victim deceased. Criminality is not suspected. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing."

The New York Post was first to report the news.

ABC News sources add that Michelle had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have had complications. The sources said the medical examiner will conduct an autopsy.

TMZ reports that Michelle's mother found her and sources told the outlet that Trachtenberg underwent the liver transplant within the past year.

Insiders revealed that Trachtenberg spent time with friends at Sartiano's in NYC, just days ago.

Trachtenberg had been active on Instagram in recent weeks, sharing current selfies as well as throwback pics.

The news comes about a year after she shut down rumors about her appearance.

Michelle had posted a selfie with “Spy Kids” star Alexa PenaVega that got fans talking about her looks.

Alongside the smiley photo, Trachtenberg wrote, “These kids….now adults getting our roots/hair done! Love this girl @vegaalexa 🔎💖.”

While many fans were excited to see the meet-up and praised Michelle’s beauty, some were concerned that she looked different and might be sick or might have had work done.

In response to one commenter who suggested she looked unwell, Michelle replied, "Did you lose a calendar and not realize I'm not 14. I'm 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment."

Afterward, Trachtenberg showed off her fresh ’do, featuring brunette locks with pink on the ends.

She posted a series of selfies, one with the caption, “I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters.”

The star circled back later to reiterate to commenters, “Fun fact. This is my face. Not malnutrition no problems. Why do you have you hate? Get a calendar.”

She was last publicly photographed at the 15 Years of Siriano Party in honor of designer Christian Siriano at Nic's On Beverly on November 2, 2023.

Trachtenberg was born October 11, 1985, in NYC. After appearing on a 1991 "Law & Order" episode, she made her credited acting debut on "Clarissa Explains It All" in 1993.

She had recurring roles on "All My Children" (1993-1996) and "The Adventures of Pete & Pete" (1994-1996).

Her first major film work was as the titular star of "Harriet the Spy" (1996), going on to appear in "Inspector Gadget" (1999), "EuroTrip" (2004), and "Mysterious Skin" (2004), an acclaimed indie based on the novel by Scott Heim.

Other film work included "Ice Princess" (2005), "Black Christmas" (2006), and "17 Again" (2009).

But it was TV where she found her greatest successes, starring on "Meego" (1997), "Figure It Out" (1998-1999), and especially as Dawn Summers on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (2000-2003).

In 2021, THR reports Trachtenberg detailed traumatizing behavior by "Buffy" creator Joss Whedon, calling it "not appropriate" and "very. Not. Appropriate." Her words followed an Instagram post from series star Sarah Michelle Gellar that read, "While I am proud to have my name associated with Buffy Summers, I don't want to be forever associated with that name Joss Whedon. I am more focused on raising my family and surviving a pandemic currently, so I will not be making any further statements at this time. But I stand with all survivors of abuse and am proud of them for speaking out."

Both actresses were reacting to public accusations by co-star Charisma Carpenter that Whedon had abused his power on the show.

Whedon denied many of the allegations against him in a 2022 New York Magazine profile.

Trachtenberg was also the host and narrator of "Truth or Scare" (2001-2003), largely while shooting "Buffy."

Her other enduring performance was as Georgina Sparks on the teen drama "Gossip Girl" (2008-2012), and she was a regular on "Mercy" (2009-2010) and host of "Meet, Marry, Murder" (2021).

Trachtenberg's final credit was for recreating Georgina on two episodes of the "Gossip Girl" reboot in 2022 and 2023.