Michelle Trachtenberg died at just 39 in 2025. Look back at the beloved actress’ life and career in photos.
Michelle Trachtenberg cemented herself as a 2000s icon in Hollywood. From her rise as a child star to her years as a young adult, the late actress proved her versatility across film and television. Her breakout role in Harriet the Spy catapulted Michelle to new heights, and she later landed roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ice Princess, Gossip Girl, 17 Again and several other memorable projects.
Unfortunately, Michelle died when she was just 39 in February 2025 reportedly after a liver transplant and due to complications from diabetes. News of her death shocked countless fans, as many looked back on the star’s movies and television roles.
In August 2026, Michelle’s beloved 2005 Disney movie Ice Princess received renewed attention following the death of her co-star Hayden Panettiere at age 36. Michelle starred as aspiring figure skater Casey Carlyle alongside Hayden as Gen Harwood, and fans mourned the loss of both actresses, who died less than 18 months apart.
We’re remembering Michelle’s life and career in our gallery of photos below.
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Michelle Trachtenberg in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’
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Michelle Trachtenberg at the ‘Ice Princess’ Premiere
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Disney’s Premiere of the “Ice Princess”
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Michelle Trachtenberg at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival
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Hayden Panettiere and Michelle Trachtenberg
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Michelle Trachtenberg on Location Filming ‘Gossip Girl’
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Michelle Trachtenberg in 2020
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Michelle Trachtenberg in 2023
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