Michelle Trachtenberg, the award-winning actress known for her roles in beloved television shows and movies, died in February. She died from uterine rupture at just 39 years old. The medical examiner ruled that her death was due to complications from diabetes. At the time of her death, the cause was unknown, leaving both fans and colleagues completely devastated.
Trachtenberg’s rise to celebrity came at an extremely young age. She began her acting career at the age of three by appearing in commercials. She soon became a regular player on Nickelodeon’s hit show, The Adventures of Pete & Pete. Then she took the very bold step of moving to the soap pillar All My Children. Finally, in 1996, she broke through with her first significant lead role in the film Harriet the Spy. She performed with such celebrated stars as Rosie O’Donnell and J Smith-Cameron.
Over the course of her career, Trachtenberg proved herself a multi-talented actress. She was the breakout star of the teen romp EuroTrip. Her performance in the landmark queer drama Mysterious Skin, directed by Gregg Araki, received acclaim across the board. Her portrayal of Dawn Summers in the hit television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer further cemented her status in Hollywood. Her most recent turn was in the hit series Gossip Girl, where she sizzled and stole just about every scene she was in.
In the preceding months leading up to her passing, Trachtenberg experienced serious health issues. She had just received a liver transplant, which added another layer of complexity to her presentation. The news of her passing has left many in the entertainment industry mourning the loss of a vibrant and talented individual.
Sarah Michelle Gellar—who played alongside Trachtenberg in Buffy the Vampire Slayer—posted an emotional tribute, writing,
“Michelle, listen to me … Listen. I love you. I will always love you. The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live … for you.”
Blake Lively, who collaborated with Trachtenberg on the film, called the director “electricity,” saying that “everything she did, she did at 200%.” Smith-Cameron shared her surprise and delight at the news, saying,
“She was always very warm toward me. I feel very shocked and unsettled to hear of her passing.”
Trachtenberg herself looked back on the challenges and opportunities over her career, saying,
“There was a lot required of me … I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity.”