Michelle Trachtenberg Addressed Fan’s Health Concern Before Death
Michelle Trachtenberg wasn’t afraid to defend herself.
One year before her tragic death at age 39, the Gossip Girl alum spoke out in response to a fan who said she looked “sick” as she posed for a selfie alongside Alexa PenaVega in January 2024.
“Explain to me how I look sick,” the actress wrote in the comment section of the Instagram post at the time. “Did you lose a calendar and not realize I’m not 14. I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment.”
Two days later, Michelle posted another selfie on the platform, further shutting down speculation about her appearance.
“Fun fact. This is my face. Not malnutrition no problems,” she wrote alongside the pic. “Why do you have [to] hate? Get a calendar.”
While Michelle did not publicly disclose any details about her health before her body was discovered in her New York City apartment on Feb. 26, police sources said she underwent a liver transplant in the months before her passing, according to multiple reports.
However, the New York Police Department confirmed to E! News that no foul play was suspected in her death and the investigation is ongoing.
Following news of Michelle’s passing, friends and colleagues including Rosie O’Donnell, Kim Cattrall and Kenan Thompson honored the late actress—who, in addition to Gossip Girl, starred in Harriet the Spy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing,” Alyson Hannigan wrote on Instagram alongside a series of photos with her former Buffy costar. “She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends.”
Kristin Chenoweth also shared a throwback photo with the actress as she recalled their relationship.
“One of the most precious people I’ve ever known,” Kristin wrote in a post on her Instagram Stories. “I will never forget you, Michelle.”
Keep reading to see more stars’ tributes to Michelle.
"Michelle was one of a kind," the Gossip Girl alum wrote. "I remember her coming on set for the first time and just absolutely owning it. 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."
"My heart is heavy today," the Buffy the Vampire Slayer wrote on Instagram. "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."
James continued, "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."
The Sex and the City alum wrote of her Ice Princess costar, "Rest in peace sweet Michelle."
The Nickelodeon star wrote of his fellow alum, "Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! Check on your people!!!"
Michelle's Harriet the Spy costar told Us Weekly, "Heartbreaking. I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
"I'm so sorry your bright light died so young," she wrote of her former costar. "Our Buffy family lost a little sister today... Rest in peace lovely Mish Mish. You were loved."
Michelle's ex-boyfriend, whom she dated between 2004 and 2006, penned a tribute on social media.
"Incredibly sad to hear about Michelle’s passing," he wrote. "She was an incredible person and I will always remember the years we spent together fondly. She was loving, quirky and would never pass up a law and order SVU marathon:)"
He added, "My condolences to her mother Lana and sister Irene! This is an incredible loss!"
The Halloweentown alum expressed her grief with a simple broken heart emoji.
"I'm heartbroken to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg," Melissa wrote on Instagram, alognside a throwback clip from Clarissa Explains It All. "So young, so talented and so sweet!"
She added of the clip, "I think this was about 1992 and the episode was an idea I had about babysitting a total nightmare. But Michelle was nothing like her character and even this young, we got along wonderfully."
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing," the Gossip Girl creators and showrunners shared with NBC News. "Michelle was so funny, kind, and talented. 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."
The pair continued, "She was a delight to have on set and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family.”
"Oh Michy…," Melissa wrote on Instagram in tribute to her A Holiday for Love costar. "And we lived so close to one another…..my heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so… @michelletrachtenberg #ripsweetgirl"
"So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg," the Gossip Girl alum wrote on his Feb. 25 Instagram Story. "Sending prayers."
He closed his message with the praying hands and white heart emojis.
"So very sad..." Michelle's Buffy The Vampire Slayer costar wrote on social media of her passing. "Horrible News. RIP and prayers to her and her family."
The Gossip Girl alum—who played Damien Dalgaard in the teen drama—described Michelle's passing a "loss."
"Michelle was tough and a force," he added in his Instagram post. "Just a kid, so sad."
The Angel alum offered his support to those closest to the actress, writing on Instgram, "My heart goes out to her family and loved ones. What a beautiful spirit who left an amazing legacy… Rest In Peace, dear one."
eonline
