Michelle Trachtenberg’s passing at 39 shocked the entertainment industry, leaving many mourning the talented actress known for her roles in Gossip Girl, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Harriet the Spy.

In the weeks leading up to her death, Trachtenberg made it clear. She had no interest in discussing the ongoing legal battle between her former Gossip Girl co-star, Blake Lively, and actor Justin Baldoni.

Michelle Trachtenberg Found Dead at 39

Us Weekly confirmed on February 26 that Trachtenberg was found dead inside her Midtown West Side apartment.

A representative for the actress released a statement expressing the family’s grief and requesting privacy. While police sources stated that the cause of death was “not yet apparent,” authorities do not consider the incident suspicious.

Her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from friends, fans, and co-stars. Ed Westwick, who played Chuck Bass on Gossip Girl, took to Instagram to share his sorrow, writing, “So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg. Sending prayers.”

Shutting Down Calls to Address Blake Lively’s Legal Battle

In the weeks before her death, Trachtenberg took a firm stance on distancing herself from the controversy surrounding Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. The legal battle between the two actors erupted following their work together on It Ends With Us, a 2024 film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel.

The feud escalated when Baldoni sued Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for defamation on January 16. This came weeks after Lively had filed her own lawsuit on December 20, 2024, accusing Baldoni of “disturbing” and “unprofessional” behavior on set—claims Baldoni has denied.

That same day, Trachtenberg posted a photo of herself on Instagram, wearing dark sunglasses with her arms crossed. She captioned it, “It takes a lot of strength to see through all the bllshit. And some dark sunglasses. 🕶️ #newyork.”*

This led to speculation that she was subtly commenting on Lively’s legal drama. An Instagram user from a celebrity fashion account, xoxoposhipgirl, directly asked her to address the situation, commenting, “Would love to see you release a statement on the Blake drama ❤️ Or idk if this is a direct statement? Hahaha you’re so fabulous.”

Trachtenberg, however, quickly shut down the suggestion, responding, “Gosh. I’m busy worrying about real world news and families who have no home anymore from the LA fires. But you do you. 🙄”

Her response made it clear that she had no interest in engaging with the controversy and was instead focused on broader global issues.

A Legacy of Iconic Roles

Trachtenberg gained widespread recognition in the ‘90s as the star of Harriet the Spy and later found success in television with her role as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She went on to star as the manipulative and scheming Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl, a role she played throughout the show’s six-season run from 2007 to 2012.

Beyond television, she appeared in films such as Eurotrip (2004) and Ice Princess (2005), further solidifying her status as a versatile actress.

A Mysterious Passing and Lingering Questions

In the wake of Trachtenberg’s death, fans and colleagues are left wondering about the circumstances leading up to it. While initial reports indicate that her passing was not suspicious, further details about her health have yet to be revealed.

Some reports suggest that the actress had undergone a liver transplant shortly before her death, though the connection between her medical history and her passing remains unclear.

As tributes continue to pour in, it’s evident that Trachtenberg left a lasting impact on the industry and those who knew her. While she refused to engage in Hollywood drama during her final weeks, her legacy as a talented actress and beloved performer remains intact.