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Sarah Michelle Gellar and Michelle Trachtenberg© Frank Trapper

Michelle Trachtenberg's death: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Blake Lively, Taylor Momsen and more share emotional tributes

Her co-stars and friends reflected on the legacy she left behind.


Daniel Neira
Daniel Neira - Los Angeles
Senior WriterLos Angeles
FEBRUARY 27, 2025 2:04 PM EST

Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her memorable roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, tragically passed away on February 26, 2025, at the age of 39. As news of her sudden death spread, tributes from her co-stars, friends, and fans were shared on social media, each reflecting on the legacy she left behind.

Among those mourning her loss are Sarah Michelle Gellar, her Buffy co-star, and several other celebrities and A-list stars who worked with her and spent memorable moments with the actress.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, who portrayed Buffy Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, shared an emotional tribute to her late co-star, writing on Instagram: “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.”

Michelle Trachtenberg and Sarah Michelle Gellar © Lee Celano
Michelle Trachtenberg and Sarah Michelle Gellar

As news of Michelle’s passing broke, many former co-stars and friends took to social media to share their grief and admiration for the actress. James Marsters, who played Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, shared: "My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person."

Michelle Tractenberg and Blake Lively attends the 2009 CFDA Fashion Awards © Kevin Mazur
Michelle Tractenberg and Blake Lively attends the 2009 CFDA Fashion Awards

Blake Lively, known for her role as Serena van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl, shared on Instagram: "Michelle was electricity. She was passion. She was loyalty. She was bravery. She was love. She was my friend. I will miss her dearly."

Michelle Trachtenberg and Taylor Momsen attend REEBOK FLASH Launch Party© Patrick McMullan
Michelle Trachtenberg and Taylor Momsen attend REEBOK FLASH Launch Party

More of Michelle's Gossip Girl co-stars shared sweet tributes, including Taylor Momsen, who portrayed Jenny Humphrey: "I am heartbroken to hear of Michelle's passing. She was a true friend and a talented actress. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones."

Kelly Rutherford and Michelle Trachtenberg attend the 2011 School of American Ballet Winter Ball © Brian Killian
Kelly Rutherford and Michelle Trachtenberg attend the 2011 School of American Ballet Winter Ball

Kelly Rutherford, known for her role as Lily van der Woodsen, paid tribute: "Michelle's energy and spirit were infectious. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her." Ed Westwick also expressed his sadness:"So sad to hear of the passing of [Michelle] sending prayers."

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