The entertainment world was shocked by the news – the star of the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, actress of Ukrainian descent, Michelle Trachtenberg, has passed away. She was only 39, and it was her own mother who found her dead! What happened to the actress? And why do the words of her friend after her death lead to terrifying thoughts? The details of this incredibly sad story – right now!

Unexpected Grief

As reported by ABC News, the actress's body was discovered by her mother on the morning of February 26 in an upscale residential complex on Central Park South in New York. The exact cause of death has not yet been disclosed — the official investigation is still ongoing.

@michelletrachtenberg/instagram.com

But journalists are already speculating. Most likely, the tragedy occurred due to natural causes. However, Michelle's family is still keeping silent.

Serious Illness but What Kind?

In recent years, the actress’s health had been deteriorating. She had lost a significant amount of weight, looking tired and frail. Media reports claimed that shortly before her death, Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant. But what exactly led to this condition?

@michelletrachtenberg/instagram.com

The actress never revealed the details of her illness. In interviews, she avoided the topic, and on social media, she only posted old photos. After her death, her family also refrained from commenting on her diagnosis. However, a friend’s words have surfaced online, which lead to terrifying thoughts...

Premonition of Death? Farewell Post from a Friend

As reported by the Daily New York Times forum, photographer and long-time friend of the actress, Amanda de Cadenet, wrote a poignant message on Instagram.

3 (9).jpg @amandadecadenet/Instagram.com

"It feels strange and terrible to write this but I want to acknowledge your death because you were dear to me. I will always remember you young and full of life… And even when we spoke on FaceTime from your hospital room, despite the changes, your spirit and humor remained alive. You knew death was near, and I am sorry the outcome was like this." But then something strange happened...

Unexplained Behavior

The most interesting part is that a few hours later, Amanda deleted the mention of illness and the premonition of death from her post. What is this? An attempt to hide the truth?

4 (8).jpg @michelletrachtenberg/instagram.com Frazer Harrison/Getty; Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty

Or respect for the family’s wish not to make the details public? We can only speculate but many had long suspected that something was wrong with Michelle...

How Michelle Changed in Recent Years

Fans noticed that in recent years, the actress had rarely appeared in public. She stopped giving interviews, barely updated her social media, and her rare photos frightened fans — Michelle looked gaunt and unhealthy.

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Some fans even speculated that she had anorexia or serious nervous exhaustion. But now, with the news of her liver transplant, it becomes clear — Michelle was fighting something far more serious.

Rumors of Alcohol Dependency

When news emerged that the actress had undergone a liver transplant, rumors began to spread that Michelle had been struggling with alcohol addiction and had allegedly ruined her liver — as reported by the Daily Mail.

@michelletrachtenberg/instagram.com

Could it be that the issue wasn’t just illness but dependency? We took a closer look at this matter.

Michelle Openly Denied Alcohol Use

As the Daily Mail wrote, despite the rumors of possible alcohol problems that occasionally surfaced in the press, Michelle Trachtenberg openly stated that she didn’t drink or use drugs.

@dailymail.com

The actress emphasized several times that temptations like alcohol never appealed to her. According to her, this was largely due to her mother, who taught her from a young age to avoid such dangerous dependencies, especially in the spotlight that surrounded her family.

The Struggles That Led to Emotional Distress

However, like many people, Michelle’s life wasn’t always easy. Rumors and issues with public opinion about her life, career, and appearance often took a toll. As the Daily Mail wrote, at one point, her friends noticed that she had become "really emotionally depressed."

@michelletrachtenberg/instagram.com

Struggles on set, personal issues, and the immense attention from the press — all of this could have affected the actress’s psychological and emotional state. She wasn’t able to hide from the media even during her last public appearance, simply going to a restaurant...

Michelle's Last Public Appearance

Although Michelle rarely appeared in public, the Daily Mail did report on her last outing. A restaurant worker, where Michelle went for lunch, shared her observations.

@michelletrachtenberg/instagram.com

According to the witness, the actress looked very unwell: she was so frail that she could barely move. The worker noted that Michelle was "tiny" and struggled to even walk down the stairs. So, despite Michelle's efforts to hide her condition before her death, the truth eventually leaked to the media...

Colleagues Mourn: "Caramel Shine and a Big Heart"

Of course, Michelle Trachtenberg's death shocked not only people around the world but also Hollywood. One of the first to react was actress Blake Lively, her co-star from Gossip Girl.

10 (2).jpg @blakelively/Instagram.com

Blake posted a heartfelt photo and wrote: “She always shone, gave her all, was fair, and incredibly devoted to her work. Sometimes the film industry caused her pain but she kept fighting. I will never forget her caramel lip gloss — she always wanted to be remembered as radiant.” Lively also added that the world lost someone with a huge heart...

More Mysteries Than Answers

The investigation continues, and the more information that comes out, the stronger the feeling that this story is much more complicated than it seems at first glance. What illness did Michelle hide? Why did her friend hint at imminent death and then quickly change her post?

@michelletrachtenberg/instagram.com

And what truth does the actress's family not want to reveal? We can only wait for official statements and analyze the actress's life in detail... there is so much more to uncover!

Born to Be a Star?

Michelle Trachtenberg was one of those stars who began her career as a baby and literally grew up on screen.

@michelletrachtenberg/instagram.com

But what was her path like? Childhood, first steps in the industry, immigrant roots, ups and downs — let’s take a look at the life of this amazing actress behind the scenes of Hollywood.

It All Started So Smoothly!

Michelle Trachtenberg was born on October 11, 1985, in New York. Her family was a mix of cultures: her father was German, and her mother came from the Ukrainian city of Odessa. Michelle's mother played in a puppet theater in her youth (perhaps this is where Michelle inherited her artistic talent), then worked at a bank.

@michelletrachtenberg/instagram.com

Her father was far from creativity — he worked in fiber optics and adored his daughters — Michelle and her older sister Irene.

Multinational Roots

As you can see, Michelle grew up in a family with a rich cultural heritage, which she always proudly mentioned. Interestingly, Michelle's grandparents were from Israel, where they lived — so Michelle celebrated both Christmas and Hanukkah.

@michelletrachtenberg/instagram.com

The actress often said that her roots influenced her not only in life but also in her career. It’s no surprise, as knowing many cultures and traditions is a huge plus for both creative and non-creative individuals.

First Acting Offer at... 16 Months Old!

In her social media posts, Michelle often shared how fate seemed to push her toward acting and global fame.

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Interestingly, she (or rather, her parents) were offered a role in a diaper commercial when she was only 16 months old but Michelle refused because she "didn’t like being told what to do." Although she probably couldn't explain it at the time, her behavior clearly showed it!

When You're 3 and Already in a Commercial!

However, this didn’t stop Michelle from starting her career very early. At the age of 3, she was already filming a commercial for Wisk laundry detergent, and then appeared in over 100 commercials. So much advertising, and all at a young age!

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In one interview, she jokingly said that she always knew she was "born for the stage." The actress often shared Polaroid photos from her first commercial shoot, which her mom took. They look incredibly cute!

Bullying and Loneliness

Although Michelle started acting in films as a child, it didn’t save her from difficulties at school. In an interview with Seventeen magazine, she shared: “At school, the girls were mean to me, and the boys didn’t ask me out. I was always afraid to go back to school because I knew I would have to face a lot of rude kids.”

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Despite her success in her career, she had to deal with loneliness and bullying from her peers. These experiences made her stronger and helped her navigate the challenges of Hollywood.

How Michelle Became a Teen Star

In 1994, Michelle Trachtenberg landed one of her first major roles in the Nickelodeon youth series The Adventures of Pete and Pete. She played Nona — the best friend of Little Pete, who always wore a cast on her arm. Michelle still fondly remembers this show, saying it was way ahead of its time.

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With cool guest stars like Steve Buscemi, Debbie Harry, and LL Cool J, it could still be a hit today. For the young actress, this was a breakthrough that opened doors to bigger projects.

Michelle Made It to Hollywood!

In 1996, Michelle starred in the film Harriet the Spy. This was her first significant role in cinema, where she played a schoolgirl dreaming of becoming a writer and spy. Although the film was a comedy, it was a big step for the young actress into the world of big-screen movies.

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Michelle herself admits that it was tough on set because of her rapid growth — she had to wear pants that were already too short. But despite that, her first experience in big cinema was an important moment in her career, which was developing at an incredible speed!

The Defining Role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

But the most significant role for Michelle Trachtenberg was undoubtedly her work on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She joined the project in 2000, playing Dawn, Buffy’s sister. This role didn’t just bring her recognition—it made her a true star among teenagers and young audiences.

19 (1).jpg @20th Century Fox/Everett Collection

Her performance in Buffy became one of the most iconic of her career. With skyrocketing popularity and a massive fan base worldwide, it seemed like Michelle had achieved what every actor dreams of. However, deep inside, she felt sadness…

Haters Attacked Young Michelle

When Michelle Trachtenberg appeared in Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Dawn Summers, she was only 14 years old.

@Online USA/Getty Images file

Naturally, a young girl might take harsh criticism to heart—and unfortunately, the audience’s reaction was anything but warm. She faced a wave of negativity!

Viewers Showed No Mercy to the 14-Year-Old Actress

Many fans of the show hated her character, calling her annoying and unnecessary.

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Online forums and social media of the time were filled with harsh critiques of Dawn, and sometimes that hatred extended to the actress herself. It’s hard to even imagine what young Michelle must have felt during that time.

Was the Hate Proof of Her Talent?

But let’s be honest—if a character sparks such an emotional response from the audience, it means the actress did a great job portraying the irritating younger sister. In a 2017 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Trachtenberg recalled, “I still get comments like, ‘Oh my God! I think Dawn is so annoying!’ I get it. It’s okay.”

@Courtesy of Warner Brothers

She also added, “I rarely hear, ‘Oh, she ruined the show.’ What I often hear is, ‘Oh, she was so whiny!’ But that was the point—Dawn was a realistic character, just like all the ones I’ve played.”

Michelle’s Exit from Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Despite the show's immense popularity, Michelle Trachtenberg was in no rush to return for any potential spin-offs. In the same Entertainment Weekly interview, she admitted, “I found TV to be pretty suffocating, especially Buffy.”

23 (1).jpg @20th Century Fox Licensing/Merch

Spending three years in the same role was a long time for an actress who wanted to explore new characters. “When a character doesn’t change, and your abilities aren’t tested or challenged, it becomes very monotonous,” she explained.

Thoughts of Leaving TV

Her experience on Buffy left Michelle with lingering doubts about working on long-term TV projects. Today, it might be called burnout but back then, she nearly walked away from the industry for good, according to TMZ.

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She later gravitated more toward guest roles and shorter projects rather than committing to multi-season TV shows. But there was another shocking reason that could have pushed her to leave acting—one she didn’t reveal at the time…

The Truth That Stayed Hidden for 18 Years

Years after Buffy the Vampire Slayer ended, disturbing details about the behind-the-scenes environment of the show came to light. Daily Mail reported on the controversy.

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In 2021, actress Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia, revealed on Twitter that director and series creator Joss Whedon had “abused his power” and created a “toxic” and “hostile” work environment. And the consequences were devastating!

Michelle’s Colleagues Couldn’t Stay Silent Any Longer

According to Carpenter, working with Whedon led to her developing “performance anxiety,” and the psychological pressure contributed to her “alienation from colleagues” and even caused chronic health issues that still affect her today.

26 (1).jpg @llCharisma/x.com

Many fans speculated that Carpenter wasn’t the only one who suffered—that perhaps young Michelle had also been affected. And in time, she too chose to speak out…

Domino Effect

One of the most shocking revelations came from Michelle Trachtenberg. The actress who played Dawn Summers hinted that her interactions with Whedon were also problematic.

@getty/people.com

Moreover, as Daily Mail reported, Michelle admitted that something happened between her and the director, leading to an unofficial rule on set—Whedon was not allowed to be alone with her in a room. This statement immediately sparked discussions but Trachtenberg refused to disclose details, leaving only this cryptic hint.

Sarah Michelle Gellar Stood by Her Co-Star

Amid the growing scandal, Sarah Michelle Gellar, the lead actress, also spoke out.

28 (1).jpg @sarahmgellar/Instagram.com

She released a statement on Instagram: “While I am proud to have my name associated with Buffy Summers, I don’t want to be forever associated with Joss Whedon’s name.” And Michelle herself responded to this comment!

The Courage to Speak Out

Trachtenberg quickly reacted, writing: “Thank you, @sarahmgellar, for saying this. Now, as a 35-year-old woman, I am brave enough… to repost this. Because. This must. Be known.” She added a cryptic line: “As a teenager. With his inappropriate behavior… very. Not. Appropriate.”

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One can only wonder what horrors might have taken place on the Buffy set. Whedon, however, has denied all allegations.

New Challenges

After a short break, Michelle Trachtenberg returned to the film industry but the road back wasn’t easy. The fame she gained as a teenager in Buffy the Vampire Slayer came with unwanted consequences.

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In an interview with Seventeen, she openly admitted that she faced sexualization in projects she was cast in after Buffy. One of the most painful moments for Michelle happened in 2006…

Michelle Had to Push Herself Beyond Her Limits

As she revealed in an interview with Seventeen, being an actress was often a test for her. For example, during the filming of Beautiful Ohio in 2006, Michelle described a scene where she had to expose her buttocks as “one of the most horrific moments of my life.”

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Later, she emphasized that after that experience, the only thing that could make her undress on screen again would be “a whole army—or Martin Scorsese.”

A Rise to Stardom!

Despite the challenges, Trachtenberg’s career not only continued but thrived. At 19, she landed one of the lead roles in the teen comedy EuroTrip, which quickly became a cult classic.

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A few years later, Michelle once again captivated audiences by portraying Georgina Sparks in the already-iconic series Gossip Girl!

A Love for Villainous Roles

In Gossip Girl, she transformed into a cunning and manipulative con artist, gaining an entirely new acting experience.

33 (1).jpg @Humberto Carreno/startraksphoto.com

“It’s definitely way more fun than playing the good girl. I love the reaction you get. I’ve never understood why some actors don’t want to play villains or evil characters,” she admitted in an interview with Seventeen. Though in real life, her friends and colleagues described her as incredibly sweet…

She Knew More Than Anyone!

It turns out that among the cast of Gossip Girl, Michelle Trachtenberg was the one most often let in on future plot details! She would tease her co-stars—Blake Lively, Penn Badgley, Ed Westwick, and the rest—by knowing major twists before the episodes even aired.

34 (1).jpg @J. Meric/WireImage for Manning, Selvage and Lee

Just imagine: the entire cast and crew waiting in suspense, while Michelle was already aware of the biggest secrets. But why did the writers trust her in particular?

The Secret Is Out!

Michelle revealed a little Hollywood secret in an interview. “For the big, top-secret episodes, only those who are in the final scene get the script,” she told Us Weekly.

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“I was the only one in that scene!” A true Georgina Sparks, even off-screen!

Peak Popularity

After her appearance on Gossip Girl, Trachtenberg’s fame skyrocketed! She flawlessly portrayed her complex character, and fans went crazy. “I opened my trailer door on literally my first day, and I think I saw about 40 paparazzi,” Michelle recalled. “That’s when I thought, ‘Okay, I need my own bodyguard.’”

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Fans even tried to touch her hair when she walked around the set! While that could be overwhelming, Michelle handled it perfectly—there’s not a single mention of her ever acting like a diva.

A True Style Icon

As a true New Yorker, Trachtenberg didn’t just enjoy fame—she lived in the rhythm of the city. Unlike her Gossip Girl character, she preferred stylish parties and fashion shows over drama.

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She was frequently spotted in the front row with friends at runway shows for Rebecca Taylor, Badgley Mischka, Rebecca Minkoff, and other top designers. She was a true it-girl of the 2000s, inspiring girls worldwide. Trachtenberg became a fashion role model: elegance, boldness, daring looks—everything we loved about the style of that era!

Her Love Life Wasn’t a TV Show but There Was Plenty of Drama!

A Hollywood career, glamorous life, stylish parties… It seemed like Michelle Trachtenberg had it all! But when it came to her personal life, things weren’t so smooth. She kept her relationships private but insiders from TMZ and other media outlets still shared details with the press.

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Some say she just picked the wrong men. Others claim she wasn’t really looking for anything serious. Either way, Michelle gained a reputation as a carefree girl whose romances rarely lasted long.

How Michelle ‘Charmed’ Her Boyfriend

One of her most talked-about relationships was with Canadian actor Shawn Ashmore (X-Men). And it started in a rather unconventional way! Michelle wasn’t afraid to take the initiative.

39 (1).jpg @Amy Graves/WireImage

In one interview, she jokingly shared how she got his attention: “Well, I basically put out an ad: ‘Superhero wanted. I’m a damsel in distress,’” she laughed. Of course, it was just a joke but Michelle was never shy about going after what—or who—she wanted.

"I Walked Right Up to Him!"
In reality, Michelle and Shawn met at an Oscar after-party in 2004. Shawn looked grumpy and uninterested, which immediately caught Michelle’s attention. “He was like Mr. Grumpy, hating all the attention. I walked right up to him,” she recalled.

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With humor and charm, she won him over. Their relationship lasted from 2004 to 2006 but after their breakup, a new chapter of drama began for Michelle!

A Love Triangle?

Her romance with Shawn was just the beginning of Michelle’s dating adventures. Soon after, she was spotted with a new man—Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz.

41 (1).jpg @Amy Graves/Getty Images

And that’s when the real scandal started! Another famous girl, Jessica Simpson’s sister, Ashlee, got involved. According to TMZ at the time, rumors were flying that Pete was dating both Ashlee and Michelle at the same time. Things escalated when a major confrontation broke out at a party!

Public Feud

In 2009, even though Ashlee Simpson was already married to Pete Wentz—who had once been rumored to have had a fling with Michelle—and had even given birth to his child, she still couldn’t resist a confrontation.

42 (1).jpg @Brian Ach/WireImage

At a party, upon seeing Trachtenberg, she reportedly told her exactly what she thought, according to StyleCaster. What exactly happened behind closed doors remains a mystery but one thing is clear: the tension between the two women was very real.

Casual Flings or Just Rumors?

After her breakup with Pete Wentz, Michelle’s name popped up in the media several more times in connection with new romances. However, not all of them were serious.

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For example, in 2008, she dated Joshua Radin—an actor and musician. They met through mutual friends but according to insiders, the relationship was more on the casual side. “There’s nothing serious between him and Michelle yet but he thinks she’s a great girl,” a source told OK! Magazine. Sounds like it was just a fleeting attraction rather than something deeper. But there was one person who truly captured Michelle’s heart for years…

Who Was by Her Side in Her Final Years?

One of the most significant people in Michelle’s life was producer Jay Cohen, who was 24 years older than her. It is likely that he was her partner until the very end. Their relationship became a hot topic in the media in 2020, though the couple kept things private.

44 (1).jpg @Jay Cohen/Instagram.com

While Michelle and Jay were first publicly spotted together in 2020, their connection likely began much earlier. In 2014, Michelle joined the Gersh talent agency, where Cohen held a key position. Their relationship may have started back then but they kept it under wraps for years.

Official Confirmation

Despite the rumors, Trachtenberg preferred to keep her personal life private. However, in February 2023, she finally confirmed her romance with Cohen.

45 (7).jpg @Michelle Trachtenberg/Instagram

The actress posted a heartfelt selfie with her beloved on Instagram, both of them smiling warmly at the camera. “Happy Valentine’s Day!” she captioned the photo. It was the first official confirmation of their relationship but by all indications, they had already been together for quite some time.

A Love That Didn’t Need an Audience

Unlike Michelle’s previous relationships, this one was far from the Hollywood spotlight. The couple was rarely seen together at red carpets or glamorous parties.

46 (1).jpg @Michelle Trachtenberg/Instagram

However, subtle hints of their bond occasionally appeared on social media. For instance, on February 14, Michelle shared a photo of her and Cohen dressed as Jekyll and Hyde—symbolic of a couple embracing their different sides. “The man who sits still long enough for me to paint his face,” she joked.

A Tragic Ending

When news of Michelle’s passing broke, Cohen was by her side. Witnesses claim he refused to open the door to reporters for a long time, and when he finally did, he briefly stated that the family would not be commenting on the matter.

47 (1).jpg @newsbreak.com

The exact circumstances of Michelle’s final days remain a mystery. But one thing is certain—she was in love, and she had someone who truly cared about her. Of course, paparazzi couldn’t resist prying into the family’s private grief, and they eventually managed to photograph Michelle Trachtenberg’s boyfriend in the aftermath of her passing.

Clapping Back at the Haters

In her final years, Michelle led a very private life. She stepped away from acting, avoided interviews, and rarely posted on social media. At the beginning of 2024, fans began discussing her appearance, claiming that she looked “unhealthy.” Comments about “thinning hair” and “yellowish eyes” fueled speculation about her well-being.

48 (2).jpg @hellocanadamag/Instagram.com

But Michelle wasn’t one to stay silent. She fired back at the haters. When one commenter bluntly asked why she looked “so unhealthy,” Michelle reminded them that she was no longer a teenager: “I’m 38, not 14. How sad that you would leave a comment like that.”

Will the Official Cause of Death Ever Be Revealed?

When news of her death broke, fans and journalists eagerly awaited an official report on the cause. However, according to The Guardian, the exact cause of death will remain unknown.

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Her family declined an autopsy, citing religious beliefs. The medical examiner did not contest the decision, as there were no suspicions of foul play. So instead of sensational headlines, all that remains is the memory of a talented actress who left this world far too soon…

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