Michelle Trachtenberg: Harriet the Spy, Buffy and Gossip Girl Star Dies

Michelle Trachtenberg was an American actress best known for playing Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl and the title role in Harriet the Spy. Born on October 11, 1985, in New York City, she began acting as a toddler and worked steadily from childhood.

Trachtenberg made her feature film debut in Harriet the Spy (1996) and won a Young Artist Award for the CBS sitcom Meego in 1997. She played Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer from 2000 to 2003 and Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl from 2008 to 2012. She also starred in Eurotrip and Ice Princess.

Trachtenberg grew up the daughter of immigrants from Ukraine and Germany and had an older sister, Irene. She was found at her apartment in New York City and died on February 26, 2025, at age 39, with toxicology results later pointing to complications of diabetes. Remembered for her sharp wit and her wide-ranging career, she left a lasting mark on a generation of fans.

Achievements: Starred in Harriet the Spy (1996), won a Young Artist Award for Meego (1997), played Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2000-2003), played Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl (2008-2012).

Birth: October 11, 1985 - New York City, New York.

Profession: Actress.

Interesting Facts: Trachtenberg appeared in her first TV commercial at age three, for Wisk detergent, and went on to appear in more than 100 commercials. She grew up dreaming of becoming a championship ice skater.