'Harriet the Spy' Actress, Michelle Trachtenberg, Dead at 39
Actress, Michelle Trachtenberg, has died at 39 years old.
What Happened?
She was found dead by her mother on Wednesday, February 25 in her NYC apartment. The New York Police Department responded to a call at 1 Columbus Place in New York City around 8 a.m.
"Upon arrival, officers observed a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive. EMS responded to the location and pronounced the victim deceased," police said.
Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant and could have had complications. Sources believe there was no foul play suspected, however an autopsy will be conducted to determine her cause of death.
Michelle Trachtenberg's Career
If you or your children grew up watching 'Harriet the Spy' or 'Gossip Girl', you're likely familiar with the actress, Michelle Trachtenberg.
She had a diverse acting career, appearing in several notable movies and TV shows. Trachtenberg debuted as a child star on Nickelodeon in 'The Adventures of Pete & Pete' from 1994-1996 and 'Harriet the Spy' in 1996.
Shortly after in 1999, she played Penny in the live-action 'Inspector Gadget.'
Possibly one of her most iconic and break out roles was as Dawn Summers in the popular TV series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' from 2000-2003. This role helped her win a Teen Choice Award nomination for choice TV sidekick in 2001.
Throughout the 2000's, she acted in various movies and TV shows such as 'Ice Princess', 'Black Christmas', 'Gossip Girl', and '17 Again'. She had also made guest appearances on TV shows such as "Law & Order: Criminal Intent", "House", and "Criminal Minds".
Her role in 'Gossip Girl' earned her another nomination as the choice TV villain at the Teen Choice Award in 2012.
The World Reacts
Whenever a celebrity dies, it can hit close to home as their face on our TV screens make them feel like a friend. People who have worked with Trachthenberg in the past are expressing their condolensces. One of which being her 'Harriet the Spy' co-star, Rosie O'Donnell.
O'Donnell stated that the news was "heartbreaking", and added, "I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped."
Trachtenberg's final Instagram post on February 18th of a throwback picture with the caption, "I wanted to look like a naughty #tinkerbell #throwback"