Hollywood is mourning the shocking demise of actress Michelle Trachtenberg, who died at the age of 39.
Best known for her roles in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer‘ and ‘Gossip Girl‘, Trachtenberg’s death has left fans and fellow actors in shock. On Thursday morning, several Hollywood stars took to their handles to pay tribute to the actress whose film and television career spans over two decades. Blake Lively, her ‘Gossip Girl’ co-star, joined other cast members like Taylor Momsen, Kelly Rutherford and Ed Westwick to pay tribute to the late star.
Lively took to her stories to share an emotional post, reminiscing their time together on set saying, “She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%”
Lively added that the actor “She faced authority head-on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself. And she always had yummy caramel-smelling lipgloss on because she didn’t just want to sparkle on camera, she liked creating a nice experience for anyone who was in her orbit, even down to the subtle smell of her lipgloss because she cared about the sweet details.”
“She was a kind person, through and through,” Blake added and mused, “Time passes. You take for granted that you get the chance to see an old friend. To paraphrase, the real tragedies in life are the ones that blindsided you on an idle Tuesday.”
Several other former cast members, including Ed, Taylor and others offered their condolences, celebrating Trachtenberg’s legacy in television and film.
However, Lively’s tribute sparked a mixed reaction from fans, with some questioning her timing amidst the ongoing It Ends With Us lawsuits. The controversy surrounding the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestseller has placed Lively in the spotlight, leading some to criticize her public mourning. Some even thought that the actress was trying to link her alleged ‘sexual harassment’ to Michelle’s brave decision to speak up about the harassment she faced on the sets and famously stating that there had been a rule forbidding Joss Whedon from being alone in a room with her on the sets.
Others, however, came to her defence, stating, “She has the right to mourn,” and urging people to separate personal grief from professional matters.
Despite the divided opinions online, the entertainment industry continues to pay respects to Trachtenberg. Her impact on pop culture, from her breakout role in ‘Harriet the Spy’ to her unforgettable portrayal of Georgina Sparks in ‘Gossip Girl’, remains “ICONIC”.
Trachtenberg’s family has requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time. The official cause of death is yet to be determined as the investigation continues.
