Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away at the age of 39. She is best known for her childhood acting roles, including Disney’s “Ice Princess.”
Actress Michelle Trachtenberg Passes Away
Police sources told ABC News that Trachtenberg was found dead by her mother in her New York City apartment just after 8 a.m. local time on Wednesday. She recently underwent a liver transplant and may have experienced complications, however, a cause of death has not yet been announced. She is believed to have died of natural causes.
Trachtenberg’s early acting roles included the recurring part of Nona Mecklenberg in “The Adventure of Pete & Pete” and the titular character of “Harriet the Spy.” Likely her most famous role was as Dawn Summers in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” She appeared in 66 episodes from 2000 to 2003. A “Buffy” sequel series is in development but there were no announcements about Trachtenberg potentially returning.
For Disney, Trachtenberg appeared as Penny in the 1999 live-action “Inspector Gadget.” She was Casey Carlyle in “Ice Princess,” Disney’s 2005 film about a teenager pursuing figure skating.
Trachtenberg is also known for playing Georgina Sparks in “Gossip Girl,” a role she reprised in the 2021 HBO sequel series. She played Maggie in “17 Again” and Jenny in “EuroTrip.”
She won Young Artist Awards for “Harriet the Spy,” “Meego,” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and was nominated for “Inspector Gadget” and “Truth or Scare.” She was awarded Breakthrough Performer at the 2007 Sarasota Film Festival for her role in “Beautiful Ohio.” She was also nominated for Teen Choice Awards, Saturn Awards, and a Daytime Emmy Award.
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