Michelle Trachtenberg: From Disney child star to Hollywood icon
From solving mysteries in Harriet the Spy to causing chaos in Gossip Girl, Michelle Trachtenberg was a talent who left a lasting mark on Hollywood.
On Thursday, February 27, the New York City police found Michelle unconscious inside her Manhattan apartment just after 8 a.m. (local time) by her mother.
According to reports, the Disney star recently underwent a liver transplant and faced complications. However, authorities have stated that her death was due to natural causes.
Michelle's journey from child star to beloved actress captivated audiences for decades, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Look back on Michelle's life and career in this gallery:
Childhood
Michelle Trachtenberg's journey into the spotlight began at just three years old with a detergent commercial.
Nickelodeon
Michelle Trachtenberg's big break on television came in 1994 when she joined Michael Maronna and Danny Tamberelli in the Nickelodeon series The Adventures of Pete & Pete.
On Instagram, Michelle posted a throwback photo, sharing, "I played Nona F. Mecklenberg, my character always wore an arm cast, and I still have that compass necklace."
Harriet the Spy
Michelle Trachtenberg made her feature film debut in Harriet the Spy, starring alongside Rosie O'Donnell.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
In 2000, Michelle Trachtenberg became part of the hit supernatural drama Buffy the Vampire Slayer, joining the cast in its fifth season. She portrayed Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Sarah Michelle Gellar's iconic title character, in a role that quickly became a fan favorite.
EuroTrip
In 2004, Michelle Trachtenberg took on the role of Jenny in the comedy EuroTrip, showcasing her comedic chops in the fan-favorite film.
Gossip Girl
Entering her villain era, Michelle Trachtenberg landed the role of the cunning Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl, first appearing in Season 3 and continuing as a recurring character until the series' end.
17 Again
Michelle Trachtenberg's charm was also seen in the 2009 film 17 Again, starring alongside Zac Efron and Matthew Perry.
Last Project
In 2021, Michelle Trachtenberg took on a new challenge as the host of Meet, Marry, Murder, a gripping true-crime docuseries on Tubi, marking her final major on-screen appearance.