Former Gossip Girl star Blake Lively has joined the outpouring of tributes for her co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, whose untimely death was confirmed this morning. The actress, aged 39, was found unresponsive in her New York City home. Lively took to her Instagram Story, sharing a detailed remembrance of Trachtenberg, who portrayed Georgina Sparks alongside Lively’s iconic Serena van der Woodsen on the acclaimed late 2000s CW teen drama.
Lively's tribute began with a nostalgic photo from their days on Gossip Girl, captioned, “This is the first day I met Michelle.” She described Trachtenberg as a force of nature, stating, “She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%. She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke, she faced authority head-on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself.”
Lively continued with a poignant reflection on friendship and loss, saying, “Time passes. You take for granted that you get the chance to see an old friend. To paraphrase, the real tragedies in life are the ones that blindside you on an idle Tuesday.” Trachtenberg’s role in Gossip Girl spanned 28 episodes, where she was recognized as a significant antagonist on the show.
Other Gossip Girl cast members, including Ed Westwick, who played Chuck Bass, and Chace Crawford, who portrayed Nate Archibald, have also expressed their sympathies for this profound loss. The impact of Trachtenberg’s career extended beyond Gossip Girl, touching various other productions and co-stars.
Among those mourning is Kim Cattrall, who collaborated with Trachtenberg on the film "Ice Princess." Additionally, cast members from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," including James Marsters and David Boreanaz, shared their condolences. Trachtenberg was beloved for her role as Dawn Summers, Buffy’s younger sister, on the popular supernatural series.
The heartfelt tributes from friends and colleagues underscore the widespread affection for Michelle Trachtenberg, whose vibrant spirit and talent left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
