Michelle Trachtenberg had been acting for decades ahead of her death at age 39.
Trachtenberg got her big break in 1996 when she starred as the titular character in Harriet the Spy opposite Rosie O’Donnell.
“I turned 10 years old on the first day of principal photography of Harriet the Spy. Rosie was my biggest supporter,” Trachtenberg recalled to Entertainment Tonight in 2021. “There was a lot required of me. I’m extremely grateful for the experience.”
After Harriet, Trachtenberg continued acting with roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ice Princess, 17 Again and Gossip Girl. On Gossip Girl, Trachtenberg notably portrayed Georgina Sparks. While the CW drama went off the air in 2012, the actress remained tight with her fellow Upper East Siders.
“Leighton [Meester] and I actually had dinner not too long ago, and she’s also a mother,” Trachtenberg told Us Weekly and other reporters in February 2020. “I think it’s just amazing what they’ve all accomplished.”
Three years later, Trachtenberg even made a cameo on HBO Max’s rebooted version of Gossip Girl.
Us confirmed in February 2025 that Trachtenberg died at age 39. Nearly two months later, her cause of death was revealed as a result of complications of diabetes mellitus and was deemed natural.
Scroll below to revisit the late actress’ life in photos:
