‘Buffy’ star Michelle Trachtenberg dies at 39

Brooklyn-raised actress Michelle Trachtenberg died in her Central Park South home Wednesday. 

The 39-year-old was unconscious when police arrived at around 8 a.m. She was pronounced dead a short time later.

Trachtenberg talks to the press before the AFI Awards in Beverly Hills on Jan. 5, 2002. AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian


“It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away,” her representative said in a statement. “The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time.”

Cops said criminality is not suspected.

A medical examiner will determine the cause of death. Authorities suggested to TMZ that Trachtenberg’s body might have rejected a recent liver transplant.

Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar and Michelle Trachtenberg arrive at the Teen Choice Awards in Universal City on Aug. 12, 2001. Trachtenberg presented Gellar, her “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” co-star, with the “Extraordinary Achievement Award.” AP Photo/Lucy Nicholson

Trachtenberg was born in 1985 and was raised in Sheepshead Bay. She attended Bay Academy for the Arts and Sciences, 1401 Emmons Ave., before moving to California.

Her first starring movie role was in “Harriett the Spy” (1996). She later starred in “EuroTrip” (2004), “Ice Princess” (2005) and “17 Again” (2009).

She was also known for the TV shows “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” (1994-96), “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (2000-03) and “Gossip Girl” (2008-12).

The actress posted a selfie on Instagram earlier this month. Photo courtesy of Instagram

Last year she did vocal work for the documentary “Spyral.”

Former co-stars reacted to Trachtenberg’s death on social media.

“We grew up learning how to make people laugh together,” said Brooklynite Danny Tamberelli, who worked with her on Nickelodeon’s “The Adventures of Pete & Pete.” “She was a bright light, firecracker and caring person who spent a lot of time and effort advocating for people who needed a louder voice. Michelle was someone to look up to in this business and to the general world at large.”

“Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!” wrote “Saturday Night Live” cast member Kenan Thompson.

Trachtenberg starred in “Harriet the Spy” in 1996. Photo courtesy of Nickelodeon

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.