Michelle Trutchenberg, a former child star known for his wide range of television and film roles such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” passed away at the age of 39, sources told the Post.
Trachtenberg was discovered by his mother at One Columbus Place, a luxurious 51-storey apartment in Manhattan's Central Park South neighborhood around 8am Wednesday, sources say.
The actress received a liver transplant within the last year, but said her body died of natural causes.
The NYPD confirmed that Trachtenberg was found to be “unconsciously unresponsive” by police and died by an EMS worker. They answered the building after a 911 call reporting women experiencing cardiac arrest.
Her death is not considered suspicious, and the city's medical inspector will determine the cause, officers said.
“It is a great sadness to confirm that Michel Tratchenberg has passed away. The family demands privacy for their losses,” Gary Mantosch, president of Tratchenberg, said in a statement.
Trachtenberg has posted a series of nasty photos on Instagram in recent months. There she looked like Gaunt and Frail and asked if she was taking drugs or comment on her amazing weight loss.
Last January, Trachtenberg responded to fans' concerns, saying she was “happy and healthy” and had never had plastic surgery.
That same month, Trachtenberg posted a selfie, writing in the caption “Snake it to make it.”
Eagle Eyed fans notice a slight yellowish shade in her eyes and are worried about the actress's health. Yellow eyes can be a symptom of liver problems.
Born in New York City on October 11, 1985 and raised in the Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn, Trutchtenberg's first credited role came when he was nine years old in the classic Nickelodeon series “The Adventures of Pete and Pete.”
She has appeared in a variety of children's films and shows, making her film debut in 1996's “Harriet The Spy,” where she played the title character.
As an adult, she pivoted to a more mature acting fee, including a three-year stint playing Dawn Summers, the sister of the protagonist who adorns the vampire of the same name in “Buffy.”
In 2021, Trachtenberg filed bomb claims against “Buffy” creator and “The Avengers” director Joss Whedon. He was 55 at the time and claimed there was a “rule” that physically abused while filming, prohibiting him from staying in the room with her on set.
Whedon later denied the allegations in an interview with New York magazine.
Last year on October 11th, Trachtenberg posted a glamour shot on Instagram with the caption “39 and I'm Fiene Fiiiiine.”
“Harriet the Spy”, Gossip Girl' actress Michelle Tratchenberg died at 39
With news of her death, the former co-star flooded social media and immersed herself in support of young actresses, including Rosie O'Donnell.
Ed Westwick – who played Chuck Bass in “Gossip Girl” – lamented Trachtenberg's death by sharing a photo of her as a Georginas Parks character.
“I'm so sad to hear the passage of @michelletrachtenberg. I'll send you prayers,” he wrote in his Instagram story.
Actress Kim Cattrall shared sweet photos of the two acting in the 2005 Disney film “The Ice Princess,” and wrote “Relaxed Sweet Michelle” with a wounded heart emoji.
Melissa Gilbert also lamented the actress by posting photos of them in the 1996 film “Holiday for Love.”
“Yeah, Missy…and we lived so close to each other…. My heart hurts for your family and for all who love you…” Gilbert wrote via Instagram.
“It hurts. I loved her so much. She's been struggling with the past few years. I wish I could help,” O'Donnell, who starred with Trutchenberg in “Spy Harriet,” told us Weekly.
“It's so sad… horrifying news,” wrote David Borenaz, 55, a co-star on Trachtenberg's “Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” in an Instagram story. “A rift and prayer for her and her family,” he added.
Trachtenberg left behind longtime boyfriend, talent agent and producer Jay Cohen. According to Online Bio, he signed Trachtenberg in 2014 and is the director of film finance and distribution at Gersh, one of the world's largest talent and literary institutions.
According to People, the pair was first linked in 2020. Cohen has two adult daughters, Rachel and Lili.
