Michelle Trachtenberg
Michelle Christine Trachtenberg (October 11, 1985 – February 26, 2025) was an American actress who achieved widespread recognition as both a child star and a prominent television and film performer. Beginning her career at the age of three in television commercials, she landed her first major credited television role in Nickelodeon's The Adventures of Pete & Pete (1994–1996) and transitioned to the big screen with the title role in the 1996 family comedy Harriet the Spy.
Trachtenberg rose to international prominence as a teenager and young adult through iconic television and film projects. She is best known for portraying Dawn Summers in the fantasy drama series Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2000–2003) and playing the memorable villain Georgina Sparks on the CW teen drama series Gossip Girl (2008–2012). Her diverse film credits also include the comedies EuroTrip (2004) and 17 Again (2009), as well as the Disney ice skating film Ice Princess (2005).
On February 26, 2025, Trachtenberg was found dead at the age of 39 in her New York City apartment. The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner later announced that she died from natural causes resulting from complications of diabetes mellitus.
Photos
Movies (32)
Spyral
2024 · Michelle Cody White (voice)
Unicorn Boy
2023 · Violet (voice)
Sister Cities
2016 · Dallas Baxter
The Christmas Gift
2015 · Megan
The Scribbler
2014 · Alice
Killing Kennedy
2013 · Marina Oswald
Sexy Evil Genius
2013 · Miranda Prague
La mejor noche de tu vida
2011 · Ashley
DC Showcase Original Shorts Collection
2010 · Bar Girl (segment "Jonah Hex") (voice)
Teenage Paparazzo
2010 · Self (uncredited)
DC Showcase: Jonah Hex
2010 · Bar Girl (voice)
Dos Inútiles en Patrulla
2010 · Ava
17 Otra Vez
2009 · Maggie O'Donnell
Against the Current
2009 · Suzanne
The Circuit
2008 · Kylie Shines
Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn Twilight
2008 · Tika (voice)
May All Your Christmases Be Black
2007 · Self
Gritos en la oscuridad
2006 · Melissa Kitt
Beautiful Ohio
2006 · Sandra
The Dive from Clausen's Pier
2005 · Carrie Beal
Piel misteriosa
2005 · Wendy Peterson
Sueños sobre hielo
2005 · Casey Carlyle
Euroviaje censurado
2004 · Jenny
Buffy's Back: The E! Original Special
2001 · Self
A Father's Choice
2000 · Kelly McClain
Can't Be Heaven
1999 · Julie
Inspector Gadget
1999 · Penny
La Navidad de Ricky Ricón
1998 · Gloria
A Holiday for Love
1996 · Noelle Murphy
Harriet la espía
1996 · Harriet
Melissa
1995 · Lena
The Hill
· Maggie Rogers
TV shows (42)
Meet, Marry, Murder
2021 · Self - Host, Executive Producer
Gossip Girl
2021 · Georgina Sparks
Celebrity Wheel of Fortune
2021 · Self - Contestant
Human Kind Of
2018 · Judy (voice)
Guidance
2015 · Anna, Executive Producer
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
2014 · Voice Over (voice)
Sleepy Hollow
2013 · Abigail Adams
Hollywood Game Night
2013 · Self
Love Bites
2011 · Jodie
Mercy
2009 · Chloe Payne
NCIS: Los Ángeles
2009 · Lily Lockhart
El escuadrón de superhéroes
2009 · Valkyrie (voice)
Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen
2009 · Self - Guest
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
2009 · Self
Gossip Girl
2007 · Georgina Sparks
The Hills
2006 · Self
Mentes Criminales
2005 · Diane Turner
Weeds
2005 · Emma Karlin
Pollo Robot
2005 · Gummy Bear / Wife / Woman (voice)
Dr. House
2004 · Melinda Bardach
Best Week Ever
2004
On Air with Ryan Seacrest
2004 · Self
Punk'd
2003 · Self
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
2003 · Self
Truth or Scare
2001 · Self - Host
La Ley y el Orden: Intento Criminal
2001 · Lisa Willow Tyler
Seis Pies Bajo Tierra
2001 · Celeste
The Wonderful World of Disney
1997
Meego
1997 · Maggie Parker
The View
1997 · Self
Figure It Out
1997 · Self
Buffy, la cazavampiros
1997 · Dawn Summers
Las Pistas de Blue
1996
The Rosie O'Donnell Show
1996 · Self - Guest
Space Cases
1996
MADtv
1995 · Self
Adventures of Pete & Pete
1993 · Nona Mecklenberg
Dave's World
1993 · Angela
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
1993 · Self - Guest
Clarissa Lo Explica Todo
1991 · Elsie Soaperstein
Law & Order
1990 · Dinah Driscoll (uncredited)
Reading Rainbow
1983 · Self - Narrator (voice)