Michelle Trachtenberg’s Co-Stars React To Her Death

On Feb. 26, Michelle Trachtenberg passed away at the age of 39. According to police sources, the actor died from natural causes and her death is not being investigated as suspicious. Per an ABC News report, she had recently undergone a liver transplant and could have been experiencing complications.

Trachtenberg had been acting since childhood, and she was best known for her recurring roles on Gossip Girl and Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Following reports of Trachtenberg’s tragic passing, fans are mourning her, and the actor’s costars have started sharing tributes.

The creators of Gossip Girl, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, also shared a statement after learning about her death. “We are deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing. Michelle was so funny, kind, and talented,” Schwartz and Savage said in a joint statement to NBC News. “Her portrayal of Georgina Sparks was an iconic fan favorite, and grew from a one season villain to a beloved character who returned over the course of six seasons. She was a delight to have on set and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family.”

Here is what Trachtenberg’s costars have said about the actor in the wake of her death.

Blake Lively

Blake Lively shared a throwback photo of her and Trachtenberg on Instagram Stories and wrote a lengthy tribute to her friend, who she often acted opposite in Gossip Girl. “This is the first day I met Michelle. She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed,” she wrote.

“Everything she did, she did 200%. She laughed the fullest at someone's joke, she faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself,” Lively continued. “And she always had yummy caramel smelling lipgloss on because she didn't just want to sparkle on camera, she liked creating a nice experience for anyone who was in her orbit, even down to the subtle smell of her lipgloss because she cared about the sweet details.”

“She was a kind person, through and through. Time passes. You take for granted that you get the chance to see an old friend. To paraphrase, the real tragedies in life are the ones that blindside you on an idle Tuesday,” Lively wrote. “Hold those you love and have loved dear. The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle. May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.”

Chace Crawford

Chace Crawford, who played Nate Archibald in Gossip Girl, shared a series of photos with Trachtenberg on Instagram. “Michelle was one of a kind. I remember her coming on set for the first time and just absolutely owning it,” he captioned his post. “She was a force of nature and just so so unapologetically funny and magnetic.. remembering those years with a big smile. Just a terrible loss. Love you ❤️.”

Ed Westwick

Ed Westwick, who worked alongside Trachtenberg in Gossip Girl, shared an Instagram Story of the late actor. “So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg sending prayers 🙏🏻🤍,” he wrote alongside the photo.

Taylor Momsen

Taylor Momsen, who played Jenny Humphrey in Gossip Girl, posted a lengthy note after Trachtenberg’s passing. “In shock…When I met this girl 17 years ago I knew we’d be friends..she was smart and sassy, bold and sensitive, funny as f*ck and filled with fire,” Momsen wrote on Instagram. “She was simply awesome. I’ll miss our late night calls that no one should ever hear but us. She was always in my corner and there to support me whether I was right or wrong.”

“I will miss you everyday my love..I think we truly understood each other and I am so grateful to have had a friend like you in my life for so long..You were a true friend to me which is a rarity in this world and I can’t believe I won’t hear your voice again,” Momsen continued. “I hope you’re f*cking up heaven for both of us..I love you so much Michelle, my heart is on the floor. I’m still in shock but I needed to honor her, she deserves more than this. I grieve with all her fans around the world, and my heart is with her family and loved ones. I have so much to say, but she’s the only one I’d want to say it to, my love to you all xxt.”

Kelly Rutherford

Kelly Rutherford posted a photo of Trachtenberg on her Instagram Stories, along with three white hearts and a dove emoji. She also shared a quote from Vex King on her IG feed, seemingly about the loss: “If today feels heavy, carry it lightly. If it feels empty, fill it with the smallest comforts. A warm drink. An uplifting song. Soft clothes. A deep breath. You don’t have to fix today. You just have to move through it.”

Sarah Michelle Gellar

On Buffy, Trachtenberg played the role of Sarah Michelle Gellar’s little sister, Dawn Summers. Following the news of her passing, Gellar shared several photos of the two of them together on Instagram. “‘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’ 💔💔💔🗝️,” she captioned her post.

Alyson Hannigan

Alyson Hannigan acted with Trachtenberg on Buffy The Vampire Slayer. After hearing about her passing, Hannigan shared several photos of them together on Instagram. “I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing,” she captioned her post. “She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends.”

Kim Cattrall

Kim Cattrall played Trachtenberg’s skating coach in Ice Princess. On Feb. 26, she shared a picture of them together on set. “Rest in peace sweet Michelle 💔,” she wrote under the photo.

David Boreanaz

David Boreanaz, who was in Buffy with Trachtenberg, also responded to her passing. “So very sad… horrible news. RIP and prayers to her family,” he wrote on IG Stories.

James Marsters

James Marsters, who played Spike in Buffy The Vampire Slayer, released a statement to People. “My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul," he told the outlet. "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."

“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. Godspeed Michelle. You are missed,” Marsters continued.