Sarah Michelle Gellar recently shared a heartfelt tribute to her fellow “Buffy” co-star, Michelle Trachtenberg, who tragically passed away at the age of 39 on February 26. Trachtenberg, who had been a part of the entertainment industry since she was just three years old, was discovered unresponsive in her New York City apartment, although the cause of her death has not been confirmed at this time.
In an emotional Instagram post, Gellar expressed her love for Trachtenberg, stating, “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.” Alongside her words, Gellar shared a series of photos showcasing the bond between the two actors during their time on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
Trachtenberg rose to fame with her role as Dawn Summers, Buffy’s younger sister, joining the series in Season 5 in 2000 and appearing in a total of 66 episodes until the show concluded in 2003. Prior to her iconic role on “Buffy,” Trachtenberg began her career in commercials and made her television debut on an episode of “Law & Order” in 1991. She later starred on Nickelodeon’s “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” before landing her first major film role in “Harriet the Spy” in 1996.
Throughout the early 2000s, Trachtenberg continued to work in both film and television, with notable roles in movies such as “Inspector Gadget,” “EuroTrip,” and “17 Again.” In 2008, she joined the cast of “Gossip Girl” as the devious character Georgina Sparks, appearing in 28 episodes. Trachtenberg would later reprise her role in two episodes of the 2022 spinoff series.
The entertainment industry has truly lost a talented and beloved actress in Michelle Trachtenberg. Her legacy will live on through her memorable performances and the impact she made on those who had the privilege of working with her. May she rest in peace.
