Gossip Girl Star Michelle Trachtenberg Deceased at 39
Michelle Trachtenberg was found unresponsive by her Mother in her Manhattan apartment on Wednesday, the morning of February 26th, 2025. The 39-year-old actress best known for her role as Georgina Sparks on the CW series Gossip Girl (2008-2012) passed away at 39 due to cardiac arrest in NewYork.
Trachtenberg, who was pronounced dead at the scene, had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have been experiencing complications, reported by ABC news.
The actress’s family chose to forgo an autopsy due to religious beliefs, a decision permitted by law. “With no indications of foul play surrounding her passing, the medical examiner will respect the family's wishes,” a spokesperson for the office stated to The Times.
In a statement to the Associated Press, Trachtenberg’s representative, Gary Mantoosh, added, “The family asks for privacy during this difficult time.”
Trachtenberg who grew up in Brooklyn and began her acting career at such a young age was admired by many, including co-star Blake Lively whom she played as an on-screen nemesis in Gossip Girl. “You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%,” Lively wrote on her Instagram story. “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, 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 distinct herself.”
What This Means for The Show?
For fans of Gossip Girl, Trachtenberg’s portrayal of Georgina Sparks remains one of the most iconic performances in the show’s history. Georgina was the ultimate wildcard—a character who thrived on chaos, deception, and takedowns. Everytime she returned to the Upper East Side, she brought a fresh storm of drama, elevating the stakes of the already high-tension world of
Manhattan’s elite. With her sharp wit and undeniable screen presence, Georgina became a character that fans loved to hate and, eventually, simply loved.
The loss of Trachtenberg is particularly bittersweet for those who held out hope for more “Gossip Girl” revivals or reunions. In the wake of the actress’s passing, tributes from the Gossip Girl cast have poured in. “Michelle was one of a kind,” Chace Crawford, who played Nate Archibald, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, February 26. “She was a force of nature and just so so unapologetically funny and magnetic...remembering those years with a big smile.”
Penn Badgley, who portrayed Dan Humphrey, also shared his sentiments. “She made Georgina Sparks unforgettable, and that’s exactly what she was—unforgettable,” Badgley posted.
The outpouring of love from the Gossip Girl cast, crew, and fans have been immense, with social media flooded with clips of Gerogina’s most iconic moments, from her dramatic returns to her cutting one-liners. Ed Westwick, 37, expressed his sorrow over @michelletrachtenberg’s passing in his Instagram Story, sharing a throwback photo of her from the series. “Heartbroken to hear this news,” he wrote. “Sending prayers.” (The actor portrayed Chuck Bass on the teen drama.)
As the entertainment industry mourns her passing, her influence will continue to be felt. Fans and colleagues alike will celebrate her versatility and dedication to her work, remembering her as a performer and person who gave everything to her roles.
