Gossip Girl Writer Speaks Out About Michelle Trachtenberg's Role in Iconic Series After Actress's Death

Mar. 15, 2025

Joshua Safran (left), Michelle Trachtenberg.Photo:Dia Dipasupil/WireImage; Dia Dipasupil/WireImage

Dia Dipasupil/WireImage; Dia Dipasupil/WireImage

TheGossip Girlfamily continues to share tributes toMichelle Trachtenberg.Both fans and those who knew her are reeling after the actress’ssudden death at age 39. One of the writers onGossip Girl, Joshua Safran, shared memories of Trachtenberg and how she brought the character ofGeorgina Sparksto life.Safran shared his tribute in athread on X, beginning, “It was an honor and joy to write for Michelle for so many years.“He continued, “Georgina unlocked something in me in which writing her was the easiest thing I’d done. It was partially the character: devious, delicious, direct — the most fun to write. But it was also Michelle. She had such a clear voice as an actor. You heard her as you typed.“Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Safran explained that Trachtenberg’s talent allowed her to “make each line rougher, more real, much funnier — and that made the writing better.“He continued, “She was an inspiration and an icon. There’s many reasons GG1 caught fire when we came back from the strike, but one of the biggest was the intro of her arc. The injection of her.“Gossip Girlpremiered in Sept. 2007, just two months before the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike delayed the show’s production. Previously filmed episodes aired through January and were re-run. The strike concluded in February, and production resumed shortly after, with new episodes returning in April 2008. Sparks was introduced in the second episode after the show’s return, “Desperately Seeking Serena.““Long live Georgina Sparks, and the brilliant woman who gave her the fire. You will be forever missed. xoxo,” Safran concluded.The actress ultimately starred in 28 episodes throughout the original series. She reprised her character in two episodes ofthe 2021 reboot of the same name.Michelle Trachtenberg’s first appearance as Georgina Sparks in ‘Gossip Girl’.Giovanni Rufino/THE CWIn a series of tributes, creators of the CW series and costars includingEd Westwick,Chace Crawford,Blake Lively,Taylor MomsenandJessica Szohrshared their memories of the late star, who played scheming socialite Georgina Sparks on the beloved show.Trachtenberg was found dead on Wednesday, Feb. 26 in a New York City apartment near Columbus Circle. The investigation is ongoing, although police say"criminality is not suspected.”

TheGossip Girlfamily continues to share tributes toMichelle Trachtenberg.

Both fans and those who knew her are reeling after the actress’ssudden death at age 39. One of the writers onGossip Girl, Joshua Safran, shared memories of Trachtenberg and how she brought the character ofGeorgina Sparksto life.

Safran shared his tribute in athread on X, beginning, “It was an honor and joy to write for Michelle for so many years.”

He continued, “Georgina unlocked something in me in which writing her was the easiest thing I’d done. It was partially the character: devious, delicious, direct — the most fun to write. But it was also Michelle. She had such a clear voice as an actor. You heard her as you typed.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Safran explained that Trachtenberg’s talent allowed her to “make each line rougher, more real, much funnier — and that made the writing better.”

He continued, “She was an inspiration and an icon. There’s many reasons GG1 caught fire when we came back from the strike, but one of the biggest was the intro of her arc. The injection of her.”

Gossip Girlpremiered in Sept. 2007, just two months before the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike delayed the show’s production. Previously filmed episodes aired through January and were re-run. The strike concluded in February, and production resumed shortly after, with new episodes returning in April 2008. Sparks was introduced in the second episode after the show’s return, “Desperately Seeking Serena.”

“Long live Georgina Sparks, and the brilliant woman who gave her the fire. You will be forever missed. xoxo,” Safran concluded.

The actress ultimately starred in 28 episodes throughout the original series. She reprised her character in two episodes ofthe 2021 reboot of the same name.

Michelle Trachtenberg’s first appearance as Georgina Sparks in ‘Gossip Girl’.Giovanni Rufino/THE CW

Giovanni Rufino/THE CW

In a series of tributes, creators of the CW series and costars includingEd Westwick,Chace Crawford,Blake Lively,Taylor MomsenandJessica Szohrshared their memories of the late star, who played scheming socialite Georgina Sparks on the beloved show.

Trachtenberg was found dead on Wednesday, Feb. 26 in a New York City apartment near Columbus Circle. The investigation is ongoing, although police say"criminality is not suspected.”

source: people.com