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Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in "Gossip Girl" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," was found "unconscious and unresponsive" in her New York City apartment on February 26, 2025. She was 39.
Hours after the NYPD confirmed Trachtenberg's death to People, tributes from former costars began pouring in, with Blake Lively leading the heartfelt remembrances on social media.
"She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%," Lively wrote on Instagram Stories alongside a photo of the pair from their "Gossip Girl" days.
Lively, who played Serena van der Woodsen opposite Trachtenberg's Georgina Sparks, recalled their first meeting on set with vivid detail. "She laughed the fullest at someone's joke, she faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work."
The actress shared a touching memory about Trachtenberg's thoughtful nature: "She always had yummy caramel smelling lipgloss on because she didn't just want to sparkle on camera, she liked creating a nice experience for anyone who was in her orbit."
Fellow "Gossip Girl" star Chace Crawford described Trachtenberg as "one of a kind" in his tribute. "I remember her coming on set for the first time and just absolutely owning it. She was a force of nature and just so unapologetically funny and magnetic," he wrote.
Show creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage released a statement to NBC News: "Michelle was so funny, kind, and talented. Her portrayal of Georgina Sparks was an iconic fan favorite, and grew from a one-season villain to a beloved character who returned over the course of six seasons."
While a cause of death has not been confirmed, sources told People that Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant and had been dealing with health issues. "She was really, really sick and open with those in her circle about how much she was struggling," an insider revealed.
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" costar Alyson Hannigan expressed her grief: "I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle's passing. She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle's family and friends."
Trachtenberg's final on-screen appearance came in 2023 when she reprised her role as Georgina for two episodes of the "Gossip Girl" reboot on Max.
"The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle," Blake concluded in her tribute. "May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire."
