Kim Cattrall, Blake Lively, and numerous more celebrities are posting tributes for Michelle Trachtenberg after news broke that the star had died at age 39 on Feb. 26, 2025.
“It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time,” Trachtenberg's publicist said in a statement provided to the press.
Known for her roles in Harriet the Spy, Ice Princess, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gossip Girl, and more titles, Trachtenberg was a mainstay in film and TV across three decades. She left a mark not only among fans but also among her costars, many of whom are taking to social media in light of her death to pay homage. Below, see how celebrities are paying tribute to Michelle Trachtenberg.
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Sarah Michelle Gellar, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, posted a tribute on her Instagram, sharing multiple pictures of the two together. “'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 the post.
Kim Cattrall
Sex and The City alum Kim Cattrall, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in Ice Princess, paid tribute to the late star sharing a frame of the two in the movie to her Instagram. “Rest in peace sweet Michelle 💔,” she captioned the post. On X, Cattrall also reacted to Trachtenberg's death, writing: “This is Heartbreaking. 💔 So talented, much too young. RIP Sweet Beauty. xo”
Blake Lively
Trachtenberg's Gossip Girl costar Blake Lively took to her Instagram stories to pen a heartfelt tribute alongside a picture of the two on set.
“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. 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."
Taylor Momsen
Lively wasn't the only Gossip Girl costar to speak out in the aftermath of the news. Taylor Momsen, who played Jenny “Little J” Humphrey, shared a moving post on Instagram with photos of the two friends.
“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. “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 [sic] 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..I hope you’re f*cking up heaven for both of us..I love you so much Michelle, my heart is on the floor.”
Matt McGorry
Orange Is the New Black and How to Get Away with Murder alum Matt McGorry, who was a personal friend of Trachtenberg, took to his Instagram account to share a collection of photos of the two together throughout the years. “Rest in peace, Michelle. You had so much more life to live,” he wrote in the caption with a heartbroken emoji. “She had a fierceness but also a deep caring and softness with those she trusted. She always stood up for her friends, was incredibly talented and had the darkest sense of humor. She had the spirit of a true New Yorker. Michelle and I were really close but lost touch for quite a while. I was always sure that we’d cross paths again and I was looking forward to meeting as the people we’d grown to become. You will be missed by so many. Love you, Michelle. 💜”
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Rosie O’Donnell
Rosie O’Donnell, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in Harriet the Spy, reacted to her passing via US Weekly. “Heartbreaking,” O’Donnell said. “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
Vanessa Lee Chester
Vanessa Lee Chester, who also appeared in Harriet the Spy, took to her Instagram to pen a long, heartfelt letter in light of Trachtenberg's passing. She accompanied the letter with childhood pictures of the two.
“Most people don’t know this, but Harriet the Spy was the second time Michelle and I worked on a project together, and it wouldn’t be the last time we were costars. We first met in the early '90s on the set of a Panasonic commercial in New York,” Chester wrote. “I remember even at five being shocked by Michelle. Just a year older, and maybe an inch and a half taller, I was absolutely stunned at how someone so tiny could have such a huge presence, and a laugh that was even larger.”
“Since I heard the news of your passing, people have been referring to you as my costar and that’s been bothering me, because that was secondary to our friendship. When I started reflecting on our time together, I realized that you were SUCH an integral part of my pre-teen and teenage years," she continued. “As we got older, careers and distance made keeping in touch harder. To be honest, I was convinced that we would eventually end up working together again for a fourth time.”
“Thank you for all the laughs, witty comebacks, the choreographed dances we prepared to show absolutely no one, pre-teen dating advice, and for your friendship,” Chester added in a comment. “You are an absolute icon, Michelle. It's been an honor to share a screen with you and even more of an honor to know you. I hope you're at peace and are resting easily in paradise as a Queen should. Love you.”
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Bronwen Hughes
Harriet the Spy director Bronwen Hughes also paid tribute to Trachtenberg via The Hollywood Reporter. “Michelle was like a lightning bolt of a casting discovery,” he said. “She had fire, she had spark, she had truth, and she had Harriet’s conviction, like her sense of self. No one else came in the room like that. So she had that acting gene that you can’t really teach. It’s innate, which is not something you find very often.”
“She did it all with total immersion and total conviction," Hughes added. "She was everything that Harriet needed to be, and she never had a false note, and you couldn’t really take your eyes off her. That was magical casting for us.”
J. Smith-Cameron
J. Smith-Cameron, who also played Trachtenberg's on-screen mother in Harriet the Spy, shared a tribute via People. “Her natural ebullient nature was ratcheted up into giddiness as she tried to learn how to handle all that came with that,” she said. “She was a very charming little girl. Years later, we found each other on social media and connected briefly. She was always very warm toward me. I feel very shocked and unsettled to hear of her passing.”
James Marsters
Buffy the Vampire Slayer star James Marsters paid tribute to Trachtenberg on both Facebook and Instagram. “My heart is heavy today. 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,” he wrote. “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.”
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David Boreanaz
Fellow Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum David Boreanaz also honored Trachtenberg on Instagram. “So very sad ...horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family,” he wrote, sharing a photo of Trachtenberg.
Alyson Hannigan
Alyson Hannigan, also from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, took to Instagram to honor Trachtenberg, sharing a few pictures of the two over the years. “I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing. She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends,” she wrote in the caption.
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Emma Caulfield
Emma Caulfield, who played Anya on the show, posted a picture with Trachtenberg to her main Instagram grid. She also posted a picture of the two together to her stories, writing: “I'm so sorry your bright light died so young. Our Buffy family lost a little sister today... Rest in peace lovely Mish Mish. You were loved.”
Shawn Ashmore
Actor Shawn Ashmore, who dated Trachtenberg in the '00s, paid tribute to his late ex on Instagram. “Incredibly sad to hear about Michelle’s passing. 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:) My condolences to her mother Lana and sister Irene! This is an incredible loss!” he wrote to caption a picture of the two together.
Melissa Gilbert
Actor Melissa Gilbert, who acted alongside Trachtenberg in A Holiday for Love, honored the late star on Instagram by sharing a picture of the two from the project. “Oh Michy…and we lived so close to one another…..my heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so…” she wrote.
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Iris Apatow
Iris Apatow mourned Trachtenberg on her Instagram stories. “I watched her through every stage of my life. She brought me a lot of joy when things were hard. I'm so heartbroken. Rest in peace,” she wrote over a picture of the late star.
Leslie Mann
Apatow's mother, Leslie Mann, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in 17 Again, also mourned the star in her stories. “I will miss you, Michelle,” she wrote alongside a heart emoji over a picture of the two together.
Kenan Thompson
“Our first Nick movie star has departed us,” SNL star Kenan Thompson wrote on Instagram, sharing a throwback clip of the two in a Nickelodeon competition and a picture of the two. "She was my friend and now she rests!! 🙏🏾 Check on your people!!! ❤️
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Melissa Joan Hart
Sabrina the Teenage Witch star Melissa Joan Hart honored Trachtenberg sharing a clip of herself and the star in Clarissa Explains It All. “I'm heartbroken to hear of the passing of [Michelle Trachtenberg],” she wrote in the caption. “So young, so talented and so sweet!”
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Kimberly J. Brown
Halloweentown alum Kimberly J. Brown paid homage to Trachtenberg on Instagram, sharing three pictures with the late star over the years. “Some of my fondest memories from the early days of my career in NYC include [Michelle Trachtenberg]. We met on the kid actor audition circuit and had so many fun, unique adventures both in and out of the Biz together, even coming out to act in LA around the same time as young teens,” she captioned her post. “As older adults we didn’t see each other [sic] as often but our bond over those early days was always there-as was her outgoing, feisty, funny personality and deep love of acting. Sending so much love to her mom Lana and her sister Irene whom she loved so much. 💟 I love you, Michelle. Rest easy.⚡️”
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Mara Wilson
Mara Wilson, who starred in 1996's Matilda, honored Trachtenberg with a simple photo on her stories. “My heart is breaking for my childhood friend. Your memory will be a blessing, Michelle,” she wrote on top of it.
Kevin Zegers
Canadian actor Kevin Zegers reacted to Trachtenberg's death sharing a picture of the two together. “What a loss. Michelle was tough and a force. Just a kid, so sad,” he wrote.
Chris Colfer
Glee alum Chris Colfer posted a picture of Trachtenberg to her Instagram grid, writing: “Michelle was the absolute sweetest and one of the most supportive people I knew. I’m so lucky I got to be her friend. 💔”
Josh Safran
Gossip Girl writer Josh Safran paid tribute to Trachtenberg on X and his Instagram stories with a lengthy thread. “It was an honor and joy to write for Michelle for so many years,” he wrote. “Georgina unlocked something in me in which writing her was the easiest thing l'd done. It was partially the character: devious, delicious, direct — the most fun to write. But it was also Michelle. She had such a clear voice as an actor. You heard her as you typed. You knew she'd make each line rougher, more real, much funnier — and that made the writing better. She was an inspiration and an icon. There's [sic] many reasons GG1 caught fire when we came back from the strike, but one of the biggest was the intro of her arc. The injection of *her.* Long live Georgina Sparks, and the brilliant woman who gave her the fire. You will be forever missed. xoxo”
Gossip Girl creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage
Gossip Girl creators and executive producers Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage also provided a statement reacting to Trachtenberg's passing and honoring her memory. “We are deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing," they 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. She was a delight to have on set and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family.”
Chace Crawford
Chace Crawford, who played Nate Archibald on the show, honored Trachtenberg sharing three pictures of the two together to his Instagram. “Michelle was one of a kind. 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 ❤️” he wrote alongside it.
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Jessica Szohr
Jessica Szohr, who played Vanessa Abrams, also shared a heartfelt message on Instagram.
“This amazing woman bursts onto the scene with energy that instantly brings a smile to your face,” she wrote. "She’s not only a true professional, but she’s also the perfect antidote to anyone who takes life a bit too seriously. Her kindness and outrageous sense of humor create an atmosphere of joy, both on set and beyond. We shared countless laughs during filming, over the phone, and at various events. Her captivating stories are so entertaining that you can’t help but want to hear more! She’s truly one of a kind. 💔
Ed Westwick
And Ed Westwick, who played Chuck Bass, reacted to the news on his Instagram stories. “So sad to hear of the passing of [Michelle Trachtenberg] sending prayers 🙏🏻🤍,” he wrote over a picture of the two together.
Beanie Feldstein
Actor Beanie Feldstein reshared a picture of Trachtenberg in character as Harriet the Spy to her stories. “I'm so beyond heartbroken. Her Harriet raised all of us, little girls that wanted to BE something,” she wrote over it.
Zane Carney
Guitarist and former child actor Zane Carney shared a throwback picture with Trachtenberg to his Instagram grid, recounting his first meeting with her after having had a crush on her. “I was so nervous to meet her, and the second she stepped on set my feelings for her grew tenfold,” he wrote. “She and I developed a truly deep and special connection. Within a few weeks, we were boyfriend and girlfriend (I know, I still can't believe it either). Michelle was my first love. For her birthday a few months later, my Dad helped me record a version of the Beatles' ‘Michelle’ which we played over the loudspeakers at her birthday party at The Oakwoods. She ran out of the party half-embarrassed-half-smitten (as kids do) but later revealed how much that meant to her.”
“We stayed in touch all these years and even spoke as recently as October/November 2024,” Carney continued. “There's no other way to say it other than that she was my first love (and I may have been hers, as well...) I loved her brain, her wit, her seemingly unlimited energy, her effortless beauty, her loyalty and how every room she entered became precisely *infinity percent* more fun, just because she was in it. So many others have much more to say, but I just wanted to share how much I adored Michelle and how sad I am to know that I won't be able to laugh or reminisce with her anymore. She was such a unique treasure of a soul and she will be unbelievably missed by the Carney/Heil household. We love you forever Michelle and our hearts go out to the entire Trachtenberg family ❤️”
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Kate Beckinsale
Serendipity star Kate Beckinsale reacted to Trachtenberg's passing on her stories, sharing a paparazzi picture of the two. “What a terrible shock and loss, my god. My heart aches for your mama. Fly safe little,” she wrote.
J. August Richards
Actor J. August Richards, who appeared in the Buffy spinoff Angel, posted a picture of himself with Trachtenberg to his grid. “Just heard about the passing of [Michelle Trachtenberg]… So young… My heart goes out to her family and loved ones. What a beautiful spirit who left an amazing legacy… Rest In Peace, dear one…❤️🙏🏾” he captioned the post.
Tracey Cunningham
Hairstylist Tracey Cunningham penned a heartfelt tribute to Trachtenberg on her IG stories. “It's heartbreaking to say goodbye to someone as kind, talented, and special as Michelle Trachtenberg,” she wrote. “Michelle had a warmth that touched everyone who knew her, with a kindness that was felt in every interaction. Her incredible talent shone brightly through her work, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impact on so many. Beyond her accomplishments, Michelle's love for her family and her cherished cats showed the depth of her caring heart. She brought light, laughter, and love into the lives of those around her, and her memory will continue to inspire and uplift us. Rest peacefully, Michelle.”
Christian Siriano
Fashion designer Christian Siriano, who had dressed Trachtenberg in the past, also honored her on his IG. “My love Michelle you will be forever loved and missed by so many and I will never forget all of our memories together for the rest of my life,” he wrote over a picture of the two together, among other slides.
Kristin Chenoweth
Wicked star Kristin Chenoweth shared a picture of herself with Trachtenberg to her stories, writing: “One of the most precious people I've ever known. I will never forget you, Michelle.”
Clare Kramer
Buffy alum Clare Kramer shared a few pictures of herself with Trachtenberg to her IG. “Peace out little one.✌️🧿⚡️💔 A talented & kind soul gone way too soon!💧You’re free to fly now… 🕊️” shw wrote in the caption.
