Acting
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.
Filmography
Spyral
Film · 2024
Unicorn Boy
Film · 2023
Meet, Marry, Murder
Series · 2021
Gossip Girl
Series · 2021
Celebrity Wheel of Fortune
Series · 2021
Human Kind Of
Series · 2018
Sister Cities
Film · 2016
The Christmas Gift
Film · 2015
Guidance
Series · 2015
The Scribbler
Film · 2014
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Series · 2014
Sexy Evil Genius
Film · 2013
Killing Kennedy
Film · 2013
Hollywood Game Night
Series · 2013
Sleepy Hollow
Series · 2013
Take Me Home Tonight
Film · 2011
Love Bites
Series · 2011
Teenage Paparazzo
Film · 2010
Cop Out
Film · 2010
DC Showcase: Jonah Hex
Film · 2010
DC Showcase Original Shorts Collection
Film · 2010
Against the Current
Film · 2009
17 Again
Film · 2009
Mercy
Series · 2009
The Super Hero Squad Show
Series · 2009
Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen
Series · 2009
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
Series · 2009
NCIS: Los Angeles
Series · 2009
Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn Twilight
Film · 2008
The Circuit
Film · 2008
May All Your Christmases Be Black
Film · 2007
Gossip Girl
Series · 2007
Black Christmas
Film · 2006
Beautiful Ohio
Film · 2006
The Hills
Series · 2006
Mysterious Skin
Film · 2005
Ice Princess
Film · 2005
The Dive from Clausen's Pier
Film · 2005
Weeds
Series · 2005
Criminal Minds
Series · 2005
Robot Chicken
Series · 2005
EuroTrip
Film · 2004
House
Series · 2004
Best Week Ever
Series · 2004
On Air with Ryan Seacrest
Series · 2004
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Series · 2003
Punk'd
Series · 2003
Six Feet Under
Series · 2001
Law & Order: Criminal Intent
Series · 2001
Truth or Scare
Series · 2001
A Father's Choice
Film · 2000
Inspector Gadget
Film · 1999
Can't Be Heaven
Film · 1999
Richie Rich's Christmas Wish
Film · 1998
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Series · 1997
The View
Series · 1997
Meego
Series · 1997
The Wonderful World of Disney
Series · 1997
Figure It Out
Series · 1997
Harriet the Spy
Film · 1996
A Holiday for Love
Film · 1996
Blue's Clues
Series · 1996
Space Cases
Series · 1996
The Rosie O'Donnell Show
Series · 1996
Melissa
Film · 1995
MADtv
Series · 1995
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
Series · 1993
Dave's World
Series · 1993
The Adventures of Pete & Pete
Series · 1993
Clarissa Explains It All
Series · 1991
Law & Order
Series · 1990
Reading Rainbow
Series · 1983
The Hill
Film