Michelle Trachtenberg

Michelle Christine Trachtenberg October 11 1985 February 26 2025 was an American actress who achieved widespread recognition as both a child star and a prominent television and film performer Beginning her career at the age of three in television commercials she landed her first major credited television role in Nickelodeons The Adventures of Pete Pete 19941996 and transitioned to the big screen with the title role in the 1996 family comedy Harriet the Spy Trachtenberg rose to international prominence as a teenager and young adult through iconic television and film projects She is best known for portraying Dawn Summers in the fantasy drama series Buffy the Vampire Slayer 20002003 and playing the memorable villain Georgina Sparks on the CW teen drama series Gossip Girl 20082012 Her diverse film credits also include the comedies EuroTrip 2004 and 17 Again 2009 as well as the Disney ice skating film Ice Princess 2005 On February 26 2025 Trachtenberg was found dead at the age of 39 in her New York City apartment The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner later announced that she died from natural causes resulting from complications of diabetes mellitus