WASHINGTON — Fans and celebrities are mourning the death of “Gossip Girl” star Michelle Trachtenberg following the news of her death Wednesday.
Trachtenberg, who was 39, was found “unconscious and unresponsive” by New York police on Wednesday morning, according to the NYPD. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene and the New York Medical Examiner was investigating the cause of death.
“The family requests privacy for their loss,” Trachtenberg’s representative, Gary Mantoosh, said in a statement Wednesday.
Trachtenberg, born on Oct. 11, 1985, began appearing in TV commercials at the age of 3 and even landed a recurring role as Lily Montgomery on the soap drama “All of My Children.”
She starred in several children’s shows and movies including “Harriet the Spy” and “Inspector Gadget,” before landing a breakout role as Dawn in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar.
In 2001, she received a Daytime Emmy nomination for hosting Discovery’s “Truth or Scare.” Trachtenberg went on to recurring roles on “Six Feet Under,” “Weeds” and “Gossip Girl,” where she played the gang’s scheming nemesis, Georgina Sparks.
20th Century Television, the studio behind the new “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” reboot, shared a statement to People about Trachtenberg’s death.
“Michelle touched a generation of television fans throughout her career, including in her unforgettable role as the independent and strong-willed Dawn Summers in Buffy. She brought depth, heart, and authenticity to every performance and will be remembered for her remarkable talent. Our sincere condolences go out to her family and friends – she will be deeply missed,” the statement said.
Celebrities pay tribute to Michelle Trachtenberg:
Ed Westwick:
“Gossip Girl” co-star Ed Westwick shared a tribute on his Instagram stories.
“So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg sending prayers,” Westwick wrote along with a picture of Trachtenberg.
James Marsters:
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” co-star James Marsters paid tribute to Trachtenberg on Instagram, saying “My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul.”
“Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her,” Marsters said on his Instagram “My heart goes out to her family who are good people, and are suffering the greatest loss anyone could bear.”
“I hope everyone can give them space to heal in this most difficult time,” he added before saying “Godspeed Michelle. You are missed.”
Kenan Thompson:
“Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! 🙏🏾 Check on your people!!! ❤️,” The “Saturday Night Live” star said on Instagram.
Kim Cattrall:
Kim Cattrall, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in 2005’s “Ice Princess,” shared a short tribute on Wednesday.
“Rest in peace sweet Michelle 💔,” Cattrall captioned a picture of the two on Instagram.
Melissa Joan Hart:
“Sabrina the Teenage Witch” star Melissa Joan Hart shared a tribute to Trachtenberg on Instagram along with a scene from “Clarissa Explains It All” featuring the two actors.
“I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg!! So young, so talented and so sweet! Here is a fun scene from when she was on #ClarissaExplainsItAll. I think this was about 1992 and the episode was an idea I had about babysitting a total nightmare,” Hart said on Instagram. “But Michelle was nothing like her character and even this young, we got along wonderfully. #gonetoosoon #RIP #GodBlesstheFunnyPeople”
David Boreanaz
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” co-star David Boreanaz also paid tribute to the star on his Instagram stories.
“So very sad…horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family,” Boreanaz wrote.
Emma Caulfield
Former “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” actor Emma Caulfield mourned Trachtenberg’s death on Instagram.
“I’m so sorry your bright light died so young. Our Buffy family lost a little sister today…Rest in peace lovely Mish Mish,” Caulfield said. “You were loved.”
Melissa Gilbert:
Melissa Gilbert, who starred in “A Holiday for Love” with Trachtenberg, also paid tribute following the news of the 39-year-old’s death.
“Oh Michy…and we lived so close to one another…..my heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so… @michelletrachtenberg #ripsweetgirl,” Gilbert said on Instagram.