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Penn Badgley has broken his silence regarding the death of his former "Gossip Girl" costar Michelle Trachtenberg, sharing heartfelt memories during an interview at the premiere of "You's" final season on April 23, 2025.
"What I remember about her was she was incredibly quick to laugh," Badgley told E! News. "She was really joyous. Like, we all have our ups and downs, our lights and shadows, but she had this childlike, joyous laugh. She was a really pure heart and it's surreal."
The 38-year-old actor acknowledged the distance that had grown between them in recent years, adding, "I hadn't seen her in over a decade, so you know, I can't claim to have known her well. But really surreal. Really saddening."
Trachtenberg, who portrayed the scheming Georgina Sparks on the CW teen drama from 2008 to 2012, was found unconscious in her New York apartment in February. Her representative confirmed her passing on February 26.
The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner revealed on April 16 that the 39-year-old actress died from natural causes, specifically "complications of diabetes mellitus," according to Us Weekly.
"Michelle's family knew what the cause of death was likely to be," an insider exclusively told Us Weekly. "They were aware of her health issues, so it's not a surprise."
Reports indicated that Trachtenberg's health had been deteriorating for some time before her death. A source confirmed to Us Weekly in March that the "Harriet the Spy" actress had undergone a liver transplant in the months prior to her passing.
The Mayo Clinic defines diabetes mellitus as a "group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar," or glucose, which serves as the brain's main fuel source and provides essential energy for bodily cells.
Following Trachtenberg's tragic death, several "Gossip Girl" cast members paid tribute to their former colleague. Blake Lively shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, writing, "She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed."
Lively's tribute continued, "Everything she did, she did 200%. 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 shocking loss of Trachtenberg at such a young age has resonated throughout the entertainment industry, with many remembering her vibrant personality and significant contributions to television and film over her decades-long career.
Her legacy lives on through her memorable performances in "Gossip Girl," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," and numerous other productions that showcased her versatility and talent as an actress.
