Blake Lively shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram to her late Gossip Girl co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, who tragically passed away at the age of 39. The It Ends With Us star remembered their first encounter on the Gossip Girl set, describing Michelle as “electricity” and noting, “You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed.”
Lively emphasized Michelle's vibrant personality, saying she always gave her all in everything she did: “Everything she did, she did 200%. She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke, she faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work.”
Michelle, best known for playing Georgina Sparks on the hit series, was also praised by Lively for her fierce loyalty and her bravery in standing by those she loved. Lively continued, “She was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes... and was fiercely loyal to her friends.”
The 37-year-old actress also shared a memory of Michelle’s sweet gesture of carrying “yummy caramel smelling lipgloss” because she liked creating pleasant experiences for those around her. “She cared about the sweet details,” Lively recalled, adding that Michelle’s “huge heart” would be remembered by those who knew her.
Michelle was found unresponsive in her New York City apartment on February 26, 2025, and although her passing was ruled as natural causes, it is believed to have been connected to complications following a liver transplant. Trachtenberg had recently shared troubling social media posts, leading many to be concerned about her health.
Her passing has been met with an outpouring of love from her fans and co-stars, including Ed Westwick, who wrote, “So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg. Sending prayers.”
Fans continue to remember her as the beloved Georgina Sparks, the manipulative character that became an unforgettable part of Gossip Girl's legacy.
Michelle's legacy also includes her earlier work on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, where she portrayed Dawn Summers in 66 episodes. She was also known for her role in the 1996 film Harriet the Spy. Michelle’s passing has deeply affected the entertainment world, with many reflecting on her contributions to both her roles and the people who loved her.
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