Michelle Trachtenberg, Actress Known for ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Gossip Girl,’ Dies at 39

Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gossip Girl, and Harriet the Spy, has passed away at the age of 39.

According to sources, Trachtenberg was found by her mother at approximately 8 a.m. on Wednesday at One Columbus Place, a luxury high-rise in Manhattan’s Central Park South neighborhood.

The actress had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have experienced complications related to the procedure, sources told ABC News. While an official cause of death has not yet been confirmed, authorities do not suspect foul play, and her passing is not being investigated as suspicious. The city’s medical examiner’s office will conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause and manner of death.

Born and raised in New York City, Trachtenberg began her career as a child actress, earning recognition through Nickelodeon projects such as The Adventures of Pete & Pete and the 1996 film Harriet the Spy. She later gained widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and played a recurring role as Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl. Throughout her career, she appeared in numerous television series and films, establishing herself as a versatile performer in both drama and comedy.

Trachtenberg’s death marks a significant loss in the entertainment industry, as fans and colleagues mourn the passing of a beloved actress whose career spanned decades.

Further details surrounding her passing are expected following the autopsy report.