The creators and cast of “Gossip Girl” pay tribute to actor Michel Tratchenberg, who was found dead on February 26th at the age of 39.
Police confirmed Trachtenberg’s death after responding to a 911 call in New York City. Authorities discover a woman who was later identified as Trachtenberg and unconsciously fail to respond. There will be ongoing investigations and the medical inspector will determine the cause of death.
“It is a great sadness to confirm that Michel Tratchenberg has passed away,” the actor’s representative said in a statement. “Families demand privacy for their losses. There are no further details at this time.”
Trachtenberg began his childhood star career, leading the 1996 Nickelodeon film Harriet the Spy before landing the Dawn Summer role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She appeared as Buffy’s sister in the 2000 Season 5 series and continued to appear on the show until the seventh season in 2002.
She then starred in the 2005 film “Ice Princess” and had guest arcs on shows such as “House” and “Six Feet Under.” In 2008, she was cast as one of her most famous roles when Georgina, who overlapped with “Gossip Girl,” sparked a spark.
Georgina first pops up in season 1 and continues to star in every season of her beloved CW series. When Vanity Fair celebrated the 10th anniversary of the show in 2017, Trachtenberg spoke to the publication about the show’s success and its passionate audience.
She recalls fans who attempted to “pet (her) hair” when they arrived on set. “I literally opened the trailer door to see the 40 Paparazzi on my first day. That’s when I was thinking, ‘OK I need my own bodyguard.’ ”
Trachtenberg has portrayed the characters in 28 episodes, and has also recreated the role of the recent “Gossip Girl” reboot.
Following news of her death, show creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage lamented Trutchenberg in a joint statement.
“We are deeply saddened by the news that Michelle has passed away. Michelle was very interesting, kind and talented,” they said.
“The portrayal of Georginas Parks has been an iconic fan favorite, growing from being a villain in one season to being a beloved character who has returned for six seasons. She is delighted on the set and will be deeply missed.
“Gossip Girl” star Chase Crawford paid a heartfelt tribute to Trachtenberg on Instagram.
He uploaded a series of funny selfies that the two had snapped together.
“Michelle was kind of one. I remember that she was on set for the first time and absolutely owned it,” he praised. “She’s a natural force, she’s so funny and not magnetic, so remember those years with a big smile.”
He added, “Just a terrible loss. Love you.”
Schwartz commented on the post, “Well, I said, I love these photos.”
His former co-star Ed Westwick played Chuck Bass in the original teen drama, but expressed his sadness.
@edwestwick via Instagram
He shared a photo of Trachtenberg about “Gossip Girl” in his Instagram story, writing, “I’m so sad to hear @Michelletrachtenberg sending prayers.”
In Trachtenberg’s final Instagram post shared a week before her death, fans lamented the late actor.
“She was my childhood. Harriet the Spy was one of my absolute favorites,” an Instagram user wrote.
“I miss the Ice Princess,” another wrote.
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