Following the surprising information that actress Michelle Trachtenberg has died on the age of 39, there was an outpouring of tributes from her former costars and associates.
Trachtenberg, who received her begin as a toddler actor on the age of three, was greatest recognized for her roles within the film Harriet the Spy and TV exhibits Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Woman.
On Buffy she joined the forged in season 5 as Daybreak Summers, the child sister to Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Buffy Summers. Her addition to the forged so late within the sequence had a magical clarification as she was truly a mystical “key” put right into a human physique and despatched to the Slayer for defense towards the evil god named Glory (Clare Kramer). On the finish of season 5, Buffy sacrificed herself to save lots of Daybreak.
Trachtenberg stayed on the present as a core forged member till it ended with season 7 in 2003.
James Marsters, who performed the vampire Spike on the present and shared many scenes with Trachtenberg, shared an announcement to ipromiseyoumedia within the wake of her dying.
“My coronary heart is heavy at present. We’ve got misplaced a stupendous soul,” Marsters mentioned. “Michelle was fiercely clever, howlingly humorous and a really proficient individual. She died a lot too younger, and leaves behind scores of people that knew and liked her.”
Marsters, 62, added, “My coronary heart goes out to her household, who’re good individuals and are struggling the best loss anybody might bear. I hope everybody can provide them area to heal on this most troublesome time. Godspeed Michelle. You might be missed.”
David Boreanaz — who performed the vampire Angel, a fundamental love curiosity of Buffy — was one of many first forged members to react to the information on-line, writing on his Instagram Story, “So very unhappy …horrible information. RIP and prayers to her and her household.”
Alyson Hannigan — who starred as Willow Rosenberg — remembered her late costar in a touching tribute on Instagram.
“I’m deeply saddened by the information of Michelle’s passing,” she wrote alongside images of the pair over time. “She introduced a loving power to the set of Buffy. My ideas are with Michelle’s household and associates.”
Emma Caulfield, who performed the function of former demon Anya Jenkins, additionally posted a tribute on her Instagram Tales, writing: “I am so sorry your brilliant mild died so younger. Our Buffy household misplaced a bit sister at present… Relaxation in peace pretty Mish Mish. You have been liked.”
“I’m devastated by the information of Michelle’s dying,” mentioned Kristine Sutherland, who performed Buffy and Daybreak’s mother Joyce, in an announcement. “The day she joined the Buffy household she introduced a pleasure and innocence along with her alongside along with her expertise. She was pretty to work with and will likely be missed. My coronary heart goes out to her household.”
Clare Kramer, who performed the villainous Glory, added, “Peace out toddler.✌️🧿⚡️💔 A proficient & sort soul gone method too quickly!💧You’re free to fly now… 🕊️”
J. August Richards, who appeared as Charles Gunn within the spinoff Angel, wrote, “Simply heard in regards to the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg… So younger… My coronary heart goes out to her household and family members. What a stupendous spirit who left an incredible legacy… Relaxation In Peace, pricey one…❤️🙏🏾”
twentieth Tv, the studio producing the brand new Buffy reboot, additionally reacted to the information in an announcement to ipromiseyoumedia. “Michelle touched a technology of tv followers all through her profession, together with in her unforgettable function because the impartial and strong-willed Daybreak Summers in Buffy. She introduced depth, coronary heart, and authenticity to each efficiency and will likely be remembered for her exceptional expertise. Our honest condolences exit to her household and associates – she will likely be deeply missed,” they mentioned.
The NYPD confirmed the information of Trachtenberg’s dying to ipromiseyoumedia on Wednesday, Feb. 26, sharing that following a 911 name, Trachtenberg was discovered “unconscious and unresponsive” in her Manhattan house round 8 a.m. and pronounced lifeless on the scene.
“Criminality is just not suspected,” the NYPD added. “The Medical Examiner will decide the reason for dying. The investigation stays ongoing.”
Trachtenberg remained shut with a lot of her Buffy costars by way of the years, together with Gellar, whom she often reunited with.
In January, she posted a throwback photograph to Instagram along with her on-screen sister.
“Slay all day! All the time liked this twinning photograph of us! #buffy #daybreak 🤪 #sister #womancrushwednesday @sarahmgellar 💙💙💋” Trachtenberg captioned the publish.
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Along with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Trachtenberg was greatest recognized for her roles as Georgina Sparks on Gossip Woman, Harriet M. Welsch in 1996’s Harriet the Spy, Jenny in Eurotrip, Casey Carlyle in Ice Princess, and Maggie O’Donnell in 17 Once more.
Trachtenberg’s final credited function was in 2023, reprising Georgina Sparks on Max’s Gossip Woman reboot.
