As the world processes the loss of Michelle Trachtenberg, who died at age 39 yesterday (Feb. 26), tributes across Hollywood have poured in, including from the late actress’ co-stars from some of her earliest and most iconic roles.
Rosie O’Donnell , who worked with Trachtenberg on the 1996 film Harriet the Spy, shared a statement with Us Weekly, deeming the news of her passing “heartbreaking.”
“I loved her very much,” she continued. “She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
She was also remembered by her Ice Princess co-star Kim Cattrall, who replied to the news on X, “This is Heartbreaking. So talented, much too young. RIP Sweet Beauty. xo.”
Her on-screen older sister in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Sarah Michelle Gellar, posted a tribute on Instagram, citing a quote from Season 5 of the supernatural drama.
“‘Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you,'” she wrote. “‘The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you’ ????????????????️.”
Trachtenberg’s Gossip Girl co-stars also honored her on social media, including Blake Lively, who shared a picture from “the first day” they met on her Instagram story.
“She was electricity. You knew when she entered the room because the vibration changed,” she wrote, in part, of Trachtenberg.
Lively added, “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.”
Fellow Gossip Girl alum Ed Westwick also posted a picture of Trachtenberg playing Georgina Sparks on his Instagram story and wrote, “So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg. Sending prayers.”
Meanwhile, Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford shared some pictures with Trachtenberg on his Instagram feed on Wednesday, writing that she “was one of a kind.”
“I remember her coming on set for the first time and just absolutely owning it,” he added. “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 ❤️.”
According to the New York Post, Trachtenberg had a liver transplant in the last year. She was found by dead in her New York City apartment by her mother at around 8 a.m. yesterday morning.