A Sad Goodbye to a'90s Icon

Fans and loved ones are mourning the shocking death of the beloved actress. Us shares insight into her tragic final days and touching tributes from her famous friends

- By Jaime Harkin

A year before her death, Trachtenberg (seen in her final selfie on Feb. 12) hit back at criticism about her appearance. "This is my face. No malnutrition no problems," she wrote in January 2024.

ON THE MORNING OF FEB. 26, Michelle Trachtenberg was found unconscious and unresponsive at her midtown NYC apartment by her mom, Lana. She was just 39 years old. "It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away," the beloved star's rep told Us.

As news of her untimely death spread, it sent shockwaves through Hollywood and among the devoted fans who grew up alongside her. Trachtenberg rose to fame as a child on Nickelodeon shows before playing the lead in 1995's Harriet the Spy. The millennial icon went on to score memorable roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl. "Michelle had such a significant cultural impact," a longtime friend tells Us. "People loved her; you'd hang out with her, and it wasn't like she was crazily famous, but those who loved her were obsessed and would come up and talk to her."

In recent years, the Brooklyn native had begun to retreat from the spotlight, and fans noted her changing appearance on social media. In a 2024 post, Trachtenberg assured them she was “happy and healthy,” but sources say her health had been deteriorating for some time and confirm she had a liver transplant in the months before she died. “She was very open with those close to her about having the transplant,” says the friend, “but she never went into detail.” (In a statement to Us, NYPD said criminal activity “was not suspected.” On Feb. 27, her cause of death was ruled “undetermined” by the medical examiner after her family objected to an autopsy.)

Trachtenberg with longtime boyfriend Cohen.