From Nickelodeon toBlack Christmas, Remembering Michelle Trachtenberg's Best Early Moments in TV and Movies

Mar. 15, 2025

Michelle Trachtenberg in Inspector Gadget and Gossip Girl.Photo:Disney;Cara Howe/HBO Max

Disney;Cara Howe/HBO Max

Michelle Trachtenbergis being remembered for a very special career.

Fans are reeling following the news that the actress, best known for her roles asGeorgina Sparks onGossip GirlandDawn Summers onBuffy the Vampire Slayer, among others, hasdied at the age of 39.

As fans mourn her loss, they are looking back at how the actress grew from her early days of child stardom to her most recent roles.

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Clarissa Explains It All

All My Children

Michelle Trachtenberg in “All My Children”.NBC

NBC

At 9 years old, Trachtenberg did a three-episode stint, originating the role of Lily Montgomery onAll My Children. Lily, who lived with autism, was the stepdaughter of Jackson Montgomery and daughter of Laurel Bannon.

The Adventures of Pete & Pete

Michelle Trachtenberg in “The Adventures of Pete & Pete”.Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon

The Adventures of Pete & Petesaw Trachtenberg playing Iggy Pop’s daughter, Nona Mecklenberg. She started out as just a neighbor but quickly became Little Pete’s best friend. She wore a cast all the time just to make her arm itchy.

Harriet the Spy

Michelle Trachtenberg with Rosie O’Donnell in “Harriet the Spy”.Getty

Getty

Inspector Gadget

Michelle Trachtenberg in “Inspector Gadget”.Disney

Disney

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Michelle Trachtenberg in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”.Richard Cartwright/UPN/Courtesy Everett

Richard Cartwright/UPN/Courtesy Everett

In 2000, Trachtenberg joined the cast ofBuffy the Vampire Slayeras Dawn Summers. Buffy’s little sister. She had a big impact on the show’s action, introduced as if she was always there when her appearance in the show’s timeline actually became significant in later seasons. After some tenuous adolescent years, the character grew to find her strength.

EuroTrip

Michelle Trachtenberg in “Eurotrip”.DreamWorks

DreamWorks

Ice Princess

Michelle Trachtenberg in “Ice Princess”.Disney

In Disney’sIce Princess, Trachtenberg played Casey Carlyle, a smart girl who has always been focused on schoolwork but takes a chance on her love of skating and finds out she could be great. With a different vision for her future than her mom, Casey was forced to figure out what she wants and what’s best for her life.

Black Christmas

Michelle Trachtenberg in “Black Christmas”.Dimension Films

Dimension Films

In this 1974 slasher film remake, Trachtenberg played Michelle, one of several sorority sisters trying to dodge a murderer on Christmas Day 2006.

17 Again

Michelle Trachtenberg in “17 Again”.New Line Cinema

New Line Cinema

Trachtenberg played Maggie, the daughter of Mike and Scarlet, in17 Again. She was born to the pair as teen parents, derailing plans the two had for the future. Fast-forward to her own teen years and she’s dating a guy her dad can’t stand who torments her little brother, until a series of changes has her looking at life differently.

Take Me Home Tonight

Michelle Trachtenberg in “Take Me Home Tonight”.Relativity Media

Relativity Media

InTake Me Home Tonight, Trachtenberg had a bit part as Ashley. The goth girl took notice of character Barry at a party and gave him some advice that went against the grain, giving him new perspective.

Killing Kennedy

Michelle Trachtenberg in “Killing Kennedy”.National Geographic

National Geographic

Gossip Girl

source: people.com