Michelle Trachtenberg, 'Gossip Girl' and 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' actor, dies at 39

By: Shawn
Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her iconic roles as the devious Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl and as Dawn Summers, Buffy’s determined younger sister in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has passed away at the age of 39.

'Gossip Girl' and 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' actor Michelle Trachtenberg has died at 39.
Richard Shotwell/Invision/Associated Press

Trachtenberg's body was discovered in her New York City apartment early Wednesday morning by her mother, just after 8 a.m., as confirmed by Hollywood Above.

Michelle Trachtenberg and Leighton Meester on 'Gossip Girl.'
Giovanni Rufino/The CW/Courtesy Everett

A native New Yorker, Trachtenberg began her acting career at the age of three, making her first appearance in a Wisk detergent commercial. Throughout her childhood, she appeared in various TV series like The Adventures of Pete & Pete and films such as Harriet the Spy (1998).

She became widely recognized for her role as Dawn Summers in the final two seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and her memorable portrayal of the socialite Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl.

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