On February 26, Gossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg tragically died at 39. The cause of death hasn’t been determined yet, but ABC reports that she “is believed to have died of natural causes and no foul play is suspected.” It’s notable that Michelle had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have been experiencing complications.
This news is absolutely heartbreaking for fans who grew up adoring Michelle and her many iconic movies and shows. The actress will always be remembered for her work in Gossip Girl, Ice Princess, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 17 Again, and more. Now, her former costars are sharing their emotional reactions to the devastating loss: Read on to see celebrities’ reactions to Michelle Trachtenberg’s death.
We miss and love you, Michelle ❤️.
Blake Lively
A few hours after the awful news came out, Blake shared an Instagram Story with a throwback photo of her and Michelle on the Gossip Girl set. “This was the first day I met Michelle,” the actress wrote in her caption. “She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%.”
Blake continued, “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.” She recalled Michelle wearing “yummy caramel smelling lip gloss” just to “create a nice experience for anyone who was in her orbit.”
“Time passes,” Blake reflected. “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.” She concluded that we “lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle,” adding, “May her work and her huge heart be remember by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.”
Ed Westwick
Ed, who also worked with Michelle on Gossip Girl, shared a statement with People shortly after her death. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Michelle but I remember a talented, sharp, funny and warm soul,” he said. “Thinking of her and the family. So sad.” The actor also shared a tribute to Michelle on his Instagram Story. He posted a photo of her on the show and wrote, “So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg. Sending prayers.”
Chace Crawford
Chace called his Gossip Girl costar “one of a kind” and shared a few photos of himself and Michelle. “I remember her coming on set for the first time and just absolutely owning it,” he captioned the tribute post. “She was a force of nature and just so so unapologetically funny and magnetic.. remembering those years with a big smile. Just a terrible loss. Love you.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Sarah mourned the loss of her Buffy the Vampire Slayer costar with a series of throwback photos and a touching caption. “Michelle, listen to me,” she wrote. “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 💔💔💔🗝️.”
Kim Cattrall
Kim starred alongside Michelle in Ice Princess, and she reacted to the news of her death under Variety’s X post. “This is Heartbreaking,” the actress wrote. “💔 So talented, much too young. RIP Sweet Beauty. xo.” Kim also took to Instagram to share a photo of her and Michelle in Ice Princess. “Rest in peace sweet Michelle,” she wrote in her caption.
Kenan Thompson
Kenan and Michelle grew up on Nickelodeon together. The actor and comedian shared an old video of him and Michelle on the network and wrote, “Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! 🙏🏾 Check on your people!!! ❤️.”
Melissa Joan Hart
To honor Michelle, Melissa shared a scene of herself and the late actress in the ’90s sitcom, Clarissa Explains It All. “I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg!! So young, so talented and so sweet!” Melissa wrote in her caption. “Here is a fun scene from when she was on #ClarissaExplainsItAll.” She added, “I think this was about 1992 and the episode was an idea I had about babysitting a total nightmare. But Michelle was nothing like her character and even this young, we got along wonderfully.”
James Marsters
Michelle’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer costar, James, shared his reaction to her death in a statement to People. “My heart is heavy today,” the actor said. “We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her.”
