Fans were shocked to hear that Buffy and Gossip Girl alum Michelle Trachtenberg passed away at the age of 39. While her official cause of death is unknown yet, sources shared that she recently underwent a liver transplant and was struggling with her health. Last year, fans were concerned about the actress’ health after she posted a selfie with fellow Spy Kids star Alexa PenaVega.
Trachtenberg wasn’t exactly happy about the concerns and lashed back at a fan who asked her if she was sick. Her last onscreen appearance was the Max reboot of Gossip Girl where she reprised her role as Georgina Sparks for two episodes.
Michelle Trachtenberg’s health concerned fans before her death
According to The New York Post, Michelle Trachtenberg was found unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment by her mother on Wednesday morning. A source with the NYPD told the outlet that she was pronounced dead by EMS workers. Sources also shared that she died of natural causes.
It was also reported that the actress underwent a liver transplant within the last year, with sources suggesting that her body may have rejected the new liver. Her appearance drew attention in January 2024, when she posted a selfie on Instagram. Once user asked her, “Michelle u look sick. R u ok?”
Trachtenberg was offended by the comment and responded, “Explain to me how I look sick. Did you lose a calendar and not realize I’m not 14. I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment.” The fan replied that they did not intend to disrespect the actress and shared that the concern was for her “pale and sick” appearance and not her age.
Several similar comments appeared on the post and the actress posted another selfie the next day. She captioned her post, “I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters.” Some fans defended the actress while others continued to insist that she got herself checked out.
She posted another pic a day later with the caption, “Fun fact. This is my face. Not malnutrition no problems. Why do you have you hate? Get a calendar”. Trachtenberg’s final film role came in the documentary, Spyral, where she voiced the role of Michelle Cody White.
Sources shared that Michelle Trachtenberg was struggling with her health
A source shared with PEOPLE that Michelle Trachtenberg was struggling before her sudden death. The source claimed that she had been suffering from “health issues” and was “really down emotionally”. They told the outlet, “She told friends she was struggling. She was really, really sick and open with those in her circle about how much she was struggling.”
Trachtenberg’s co-star from Harriet the Spy, Rosie O’Donnell, also shared that she was struggling for the last few years. She mourned the loss of her co-star in a statement and shared, “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped” (via PEOPLE).
Trachtenberg began her career in small ad roles before she landed her roles on Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete and All My Children. Her breakout role came in Harriet the Spy in 1996, following which she landed the role of Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Her prominent film roles included EuroTrip and 17 Again. From 2008 to 2012, she played Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl.
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