Fans and co-actors were sent into shock when news about actress Michelle Trachtenberg’s death broke the internet. She was found unconscious in her New York City apartment on Feb. 26 by her mother.
Her death is believed to have been caused by natural causes, as she had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have experienced complications.
Trachtenberg was well loved by nearly everyone she worked with and their sentiments on her unexpected passing is a true testament to that. Her co-stars from Gossip Girl, Blake Lively and Chace Crawford, had a lot to recall about the days they spent graced by her presence.
Lively mentioned in her lengthy tribute on her Instagram story how the late actress was “electricity” and how she gave her 200% in everything she did. She even recalled Trachtenberg to smell like caramel.
On his Instagram post, Crawford referred to the actress as a force of nature and unapologetically funny and magnetic.
Being remembered for the smallest things just shows how loved Trachtenberg truly was. It is beyond saddening to hear how someone like her could be gone so early in her life.
Her career began at the very ripe age of three years old doing commercial ads before playing multiple roles as a TV star. Her career did not slow down from there however; she played many roles that remain in the hearts of her fans. And the best way to remember her is to remember how she had done what she loved and how good of a job they were.
Here are five of the most iconic roles Trachtenberg played.
Harriet M. Welsch in Harriet the Spy (1996)
Trachtenberg got her first major film role in 1996, starring as Harriet M. Welsch in Harriet the Spy. She played a curious and determined sixth-grader who dreamt of becoming a writer and a spy. It was based on a popular children’s book and was a box office hit. To this day, it remains a beloved childhood classic.
This role was a major stepping stone for the late actress in her career, as her captivating performance garnered not only widespread praise but the Young Artist Award for Best Young Leading Young Actress, solidifying her as a Hollywood staple.
Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2000-2003)
Trachtenberg entered the show on its fifth season as Dawn Summers, Buffy’s mystical younger sister who was used to open a dimensional portal. Her character appears to initially be an annoying younger sister and evolves to an integral part of the Scooby Gang, even going as far becoming a key figure in major story arcs. Trachtenberg demonstrated her range and depth as an actress in this role, and solidified her place in the hearts of her fans.
Jenny in EuroTrip (2004)
In this comedy, Trachtenberg takes the character of Jenny, embarking on a delightfully hilarious European adventure with her friends. The movie gained a cult following for its humor and memorable moments which showed the character’s resourcefulness and humor. Trachtenberg’s performance in this film demonstrated her talent at comedic timing and carrying a film.
Casey Carlyle in Ice Princess (2005)
Trachtenberg starred as Casey Carlyle in “Ice Princess”, a science fanatic who used her knowledge in physics to excel in figure skating. This inspirational movie was a testament to how Trachtenberg can play a determined yet relatable character.
Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl (2008-2012)
We can’t talk about Trachtenberg without mentioning Georgina Sparks, Upper East Side’s queen of chaos. She perfectly captured and translated the manipulative and unpredictable nature of the role, making her performance utterly memorable.
Georgina Sparks, despite being a supporting character, was undeniably one of the most entertaining and unforgettable characters of Gossip Girl. From the way she delivered her lines, to the way her face moved as the scene demanded, Trachtenberg showed her versatility and ability to play a villain with charm and depth. This role further established her reputation in the industry. She even mentioned how fun she found playing this role on one occasion.
Her passing may have left a void in Hollywood, but Trachtenberg’s legacy endures through the remarkable roles she played throughout her career.
