Michelle Trachtenberg’s life in photos before untimely death at 39

February 26, 2025 by Miller Sanford

Michelle Trachtenberg was found dead at the age of 39 on Feb. 26, 2025, The Post exclusively confirmed. Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant, according to sources.

The actress was best known for her work on “Harriet the Spy,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl.” Look back at the star’s film and TV work through the years.

HARRIET THE SPY, Michelle Trachtenberg, 1996 — Michelle Trachtenberg in “Harriet the Spy” in 1996. ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection

NEW YORK, NY - September 1996: MANDATORY CREDIT Bill Tompkins/Getty Images Michelle Trachtenberg at a kids cleanup event. September 1996 in New York City. (Photo by Bill Tompkins/Getty Images) — Michelle Trachtenberg at a kids cleanup event in September 1996 Getty Images

275620 04: Actress Michelle Trachtenberg stands at the premiere of "Harriet the Spy" July 9, 1996 in New York City. The film is based on the best-selling young people's novel about an eleven year-old girl who spies on her parents, neighbors and friends, detailing their comings and goings in her secret journal. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Liaison) — Michelle Trachtenberg stands at the premiere of “Harriet the Spy” July 9, 1996. Getty Images

Michelle Trachtenberg during Premiere of "Mercury Rising" at The Academy in Beverly Hills, California, United States. (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) — Michelle Trachtenberg during Premiere of “Mercury Rising” in 1998. Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Michelle Trachtenberg during "Toy Story 2" - World Premiere at El Captain Theatre in Hollywood, California, United States. (Photo by SGranitz/WireImage) — Michelle Trachtenberg during “Toy Story 2” – World Premiere in 1999. WireImage

380464 09: Actress Michelle Trachtenberg arrives at Disney''s "The Lion King" at the Pantages Theatre October 19, 2000 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Gary Marshall/Newsmakers) — Michelle Trachtenberg arrives at Disney”s “The Lion King” at the Pantages Theatre October 19, 2000. Getty Images

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, from left: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Michelle Trachtenberg, (Season 5, premiered Sep. 26, 2000), 1997-2003. photo: Richard Cartwright / TM and Copyright © 20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved. / Courtesy Everett Collection — Sarah Michelle Gellar and Michelle Trachtenberg on set of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” in 2000. ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, from left: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Michelle Trachtenberg, (Season 5, premiered Sep. 26, 2000), 1997-2003. photo: Richard Cartwright / TM and Copyright © 20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved. / Courtesy Everett Collection — 2000 ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

Sarah Michelle Gellar & Michelle Trachtenberg (Photo by SGranitz/WireImage) — Sarah Michelle Gellar & Michelle Trachtenberg in 2001. WireImage

Michelle Trachtenberg and Mila Kunis (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) — Michelle Trachtenberg and Mila Kunis in 2001. Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Aaron Carter & Michelle Trachtenberg during The 9th Annual "Dream Halloween Los Angeles" Benefits The Children Affected By AIDS Foundation at Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, California, United States. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage) — Aaron Carter & Michelle Trachtenberg during The 9th Annual “Dream Halloween Los Angeles” in 2002. WireImage

Michelle Trachtenberg and Chris Kirkpatrick during Beaches Resorts Celebrity Golf Classic to Benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Dinner at Royal Plantation Golf and Spa Resort - Beaches Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage) — Michelle Trachtenberg and Chris Kirkpatrick during Beaches Resorts Celebrity Golf Classic in 2002. WireImage

Frankie Muniz and Michelle Trachtenburg at the Teen Choice Awards 2002 held at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, Ca., August 4, 2002. (photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images/Fox) — Frankie Muniz and Michelle Trachtenburg at the Teen Choice Awards 2002. Getty Images

HOLLYWOOD - NOVEMBER 8: Actress MichelleTrachtenberg attends the world premiere of "Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat" at Universal Studios, November 8, 2003 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Carlo Allegri/Getyy Images) — Michelle Trachtenberg attends the world premiere of “Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat” at Universal Studios, November 8, 2003. Getty Images

Michelle Trachtenberg during The 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Feature Focus Party at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, United States. (Photo by SGranitz/WireImage) — Michelle Trachtenberg during The 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards in 2003. WireImage

Michelle Trachtenberg (Photo by Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage) — Michelle Trachtenberg in 2004. WireImage

Lake Bell and Michelle Trachtenberg during Mercedes-Benz Spring 2005 Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios - Jenni Kayne - Backstage and Front Row at Smashbox Studios in Culver City, California, United States. (Photo by J. Vespa/WireImage) — Lake Bell and Michelle Trachtenberg during Fashion Week in 2004. WireImage

Michelle Trachtenberg and John Mayer (Photo by J. Vespa/WireImage) — Michelle Trachtenberg and John Mayer in 2004. WireImage

ICE PRINCESS, Michelle Trachtenberg, 2005, (c) Walt Disney/courtesy Everett Collection — Michelle Trachtenberg on set of “Ice Princess” in 2005. ©Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection

Haylie Duff, Hilary Duff and Michelle Trachtenberg (Photo by Chris Weeks/WireImage for Silver Spoon (formerly The Cabana)) — Haylie Duff, Hilary Duff and Michelle Trachtenberg in 2005. WireImage for Silver Spoon (form

Michelle Trachtenberg and her mom Lana in 2005. — Michelle Trachtenberg and her mom Lana in 2005. WireImage

Michelle Trachtenberg, Kim Cattrall and Mario Cantone (Photo by Duffy-Marie Arnoult/WireImage for HBO) — Michelle Trachtenberg, Kim Cattrall and Mario Cantone in 2005. WireImage for HBO

Michelle Trachtenberg, Lindsay Lohan, Samaire Armstrong, and Nicole Richie in 2006. — Michelle Trachtenberg, Lindsay Lohan, Samaire Armstrong, and Nicole Richie in 2006. FilmMagic

Michelle Trachtenberg and Paris Hilton in 2006. — Michelle Trachtenberg and Paris Hilton in 2006. WireImage

Michelle Trachtenberg, guest and Carmen Electra front row at Louis Verdad Fall 2006 (Photo by Chris Weeks/WireImage) — Michelle Trachtenberg, guest and Carmen Electra front row at Louis Verdad Fall 2006. WireImage

Michelle Trachtenberg during Launch of Escada's Newest Scent, Pacific Paradise - Red Carpet at Lobby in West Hollywood, California, United States. (Photo by Chris Weeks/WireImage for Alison Brod PR) — Michelle Trachtenberg during Launch of Escada’s Newest Scent, Pacific Paradise in 2006. WireImage for Alison Brod PR

Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy and Michelle Trachtenberg (Photo by Amy Graves/WireImage) — Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy and Michelle Trachtenberg in 2006. WireImage

Michelle Trachtenberg and Shawn Ashmore at the Tao in Las Vegas, Nevada (Photo by Alexandra Wyman/WireImage) — Michelle Trachtenberg celebrates her 21st birthday at Tao Las Vegas in 2006. WireImage

Michelle Trachtenberg, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Shannen Doherty (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage) — Michelle Trachtenberg, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Shannen Doherty in 2006. WireImage

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: Actress Michelle Trachtenberg (L) and model Lydia Hearst (R) Kiss the cheeks of designer Roberto Cavalli (C) attends the Just Cavalli flagship store launch party during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2008 on September 7, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Rob Loud/Getty Images) — Michelle Trachtenberg and Lydia Hearst kiss the cheeks of designer Roberto Cavalli in 2007. Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: Actress Emmy Rossum and Michelle Trachtenberg attends YouthAIDS Luncheon presented by Little Black Dress Wines and Tacori at a private residence on September 19, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Todd Williamson/WireImage) — Emmy Rossum and Michelle Trachtenberg in 2008. WireImage

Michelle Trachtenberg on the set of "Gossip Girl" in 2008. — Michelle Trachtenberg on the set of “Gossip Girl” in 2008. ©CW Network/Courtesy Everett Col

Michelle in 'Seventeen again' in 2009. — Michelle in ‘Seventeen again’ in 2009. Chuck Zlotnick

Michelle Trachtenberg attends the 30th Anniversary celebration cocktail reception with Rebirth of NYC Flagship hosted by David Yurman and in partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at David Yurman - The Townhouse on May 6, 2010 — Michelle Trachtenberg attends the 30th Anniversary celebration cocktail reception with Rebirth of NYC Flagship hosted by David Yurman and in partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at David Yurman – The Townhouse on May 6, 2010. Joe Kohen

Michelle Trachtenberg attends the Folli Follie opening in 2011. — Michelle Trachtenberg attends the Folli Follie opening in 2011. Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: Michelle Trachtenberg and Penn Badgley are seen on set of 'Gossip Girl' on September 24, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by DISCIULLO/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) — Michelle Trachtenberg on the set of “Gossip Girl” in 2012. GC Images

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - NOVEMBER 04: Actress Michelle Trachtenberg attends the premiere of National Geographic Channel's 'Killing Kennedy' at Saban Theatre on November 4, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images) — Michelle Trachtenberg attends the premiere of National Geographic Channel’s ‘Killing Kennedy’ at Saban Theatre on November 4, 2013. Getty Images

SANTA MONICA, CA - JUNE 20: Michelle Trachtenberg and Kelly Osbourne attend the 24 Hour Plays LA 2014 to benefit Urban Arts Partnership presented by Montblanc on June 20, 2014 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Araya Diaz/Getty Images for Urban Arts Partnership) — Michelle Trachtenberg and Kelly Osbourne attend the 24 Hour Plays LA in 2014. Araya Doheny

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 08: (L-R) Dominic Sherwood, Sarah Hyland and and Michelle Trachtenberg attend a basketball game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 8, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/GC Images) — Dominic Sherwood, Sarah Hyland and and Michelle Trachtenberg attend a basketball game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 8, 2015. GC Images

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - MARCH 04: (L-R) Actors Seth Green, Michelle Trachtenberg and Bob Saget attend the Inaugural Los Angeles Fatherhood Lunch to Benefit Baby Buggy hosted by Jerry Seinfeld at The Palm Restaurant on March 4, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Baby Buggy) — Actors Seth Green, Michelle Trachtenberg and Bob Saget attend the Inaugural Los Angeles Fatherhood Lunch to Benefit Baby Buggy hosted by Jerry Seinfeld at The Palm Restaurant on March 4, 2015. Getty Images for Baby Buggy

Cindy Crawford and Michelle Trachtenberg (Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images) — Cindy Crawford and Michelle Trachtenber in 2016. Penske Media via Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 02: Actress Michelle Trachtenberg attends the Maison St-Germain LA debut on August 2, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic) — Actress Michelle Trachtenberg attends the Maison St-Germain LA debut on August 2, 2017. FilmMagic

CULVER CITY, CA - OCTOBER 28: Michelle Trachtenberg attends the 2018 GOOD+ Foundation's 3rd Annual Halloween Bash presented by Delta Air Lines and Otter Pops on October 28, 2018 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Good+ Foundation) — Michelle Trachtenberg attends the 2018 GOOD+ Foundation’s 3rd Annual Halloween Bash presented by Delta Air Lines and Otter Pops on October 28, 2018. Getty Images for Good+ Foundatio

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 07: Michelle Trachtenberg attends the alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet x FriendsWithYou Collection LA launch party at the Hollywood Athletic Club on November 07, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images) — Michelle Trachtenberg attends the alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet x FriendsWithYou Collection LA launch party at the Hollywood Athletic Club on November 07, 2019. Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 04: Michelle Trachtenberg attends The Art Of Elysium's 13th Annual Celebration - Heaven on January 04, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/WireImage) — Michelle Trachtenberg uses a cain at The Art Of Elysium’s 13th Annual Celebration – Heaven on January 04, 2020. WireImage

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 09: Michelle Trachtenberg attends the 28th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party Sponsored By IMDb, Neuro Drinks And Walmart on February 09, 2020 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/FilmMagic) — Michelle Trachtenberg attends the 28th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party Sponsored By IMDb, Neuro Drinks And Walmart on February 09, 2020. FilmMagic

CELEBRITY WHEEL OF FORTUNE - Vivica A. Fox, Michelle Trachtenberg and Jason Mraz Hosted by pop-culture legends Pat Sajak and Vanna White, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune takes a star-studded spin on Americas Game®. Season two continues with an all-new episode SUNDAY, NOV. 14 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EST), on ABC. (Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images) — Michelle Trachtenberg on ‘Celebrity Wheel of Fortune’ in 2021. ABC via Getty Images

FILE--Michelle Trachtenberg and Ashlee Simpson at the 15 Years of Siriano Party at Nic's On Beverly on November 2, 2023 in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty Images) — Michelle Trachtenberg and Ashlee Simpson at the 15 Years of Siriano Party at Nic’s On Beverly on November 2, 2023. WWD via Getty Images

Michelle Trachtenberg at the 15 Years of Siriano Party at Nic's On Beverly on November 2, 2023 in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty Images) — Michelle Trachtenberg at the 15 Years of Siriano Party at Nic’s On Beverly on November 2, 2023. WWD via Getty Images

last photo of michelle trachtenberg - 2/12/25 — Michelle Trachtenberg posts her last selfie on Feb 12, 2025. Instagram/michelletrachtenberg