Michelle Trachtenberg facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Michelle Trachtenberg
Michelle Trachtenberg in 2018
Born	(1985-10-11)October 11, 1985 New York City, U.S.
Died	February 26, 2025(2025-02-26) (aged 39) New York City, U.S.
Education	Notre Dame High School
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1988–2024

Michelle Christine Trachtenberg (born October 11, 1985) is an American actress. She started acting in TV commercials when she was only three years old. Her first big TV role was on the Nickelodeon show The Adventures of Pete & Pete (1994–1996).

As a child, Michelle starred in many Nickelodeon shows and movies. She won a Young Artist Award in 1997 for her role as Maggie in Meego. Later, as a teenager and young adult, she became well-known for the movie EuroTrip (2004). She also played Georgina Sparks on the popular TV show Gossip Girl (2007–2012).

Michelle also had a major role as Dawn Summers on the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2000–2003). This role earned her another Young Artist Award and three nominations for the Saturn Award. She was also nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for hosting the Discovery Kids show Truth or Scare (2001–2003). In the mid-2000s, she starred in the movie Ice Princess (2005) and had supporting roles in Mysterious Skin (2004) and Black Christmas (2006). She also starred in the NBC show Mercy (2009–2010).

In the 2010s, Michelle appeared in several TV movies, including Killing Kennedy (2013) and Sister Cities (2015). She also starred in the science fiction movie The Scribbler (2014). She lent her voice to the main character, Judy, in the web series Human Kind Of (2018). She also helped produce the teen drama web series Guidance (2015–2017).

Early Life and Education

Michelle Trachtenberg was born in New York City on October 11, 1985. Her parents were immigrants from Germany and Russia. Her mother even helped her learn some Russian for a movie role in 2013. Her grandparents live in Israel.

She grew up in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, with her older sister, Irene. Michelle went to junior high school at The Bay Academy for the Arts and Sciences. Later, she attended Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles.

Acting Career Highlights

Starting Out: 1988–2005

Michelle Trachtenberg on the set of The Adventures of Pete & Pete in 1995

Michelle's first TV appearance was at age three in a commercial. She went on to appear in over 100 commercials! Her first TV role was on Law & Order. However, her first credited role was as Nona F. Mecklenberg on the Nickelodeon series The Adventures of Pete & Pete from 1994 to 1996. At the same time, she played Lily Montgomery on the soap opera All My Children.

Michelle's movie career began in 1996 with the main role in Harriet the Spy. She then starred in the TV series Meego, which won her a Young Artist Award. In 1999, she was in the movie Inspector Gadget and Can't Be Heaven.

In 2000, she joined the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Dawn Summers. She stayed on the show until it ended in 2003. She also hosted the Discovery Kids show Truth or Scare from 2001 to 2003, where she told spooky stories and explained real-life mysteries.

Michelle Trachtenberg (right) with the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer in 2003

After Buffy and Truth or Scare, Michelle appeared in the teen comedy movie EuroTrip in 2004. That same year, she played Wendy in the film Mysterious Skin. She also had a recurring role as Celeste, a pop star, in the HBO series Six Feet Under.

In 2005, Michelle starred in the Walt Disney Pictures movie Ice Princess. She played Casey Carlyle, a smart science student who discovers a passion for figure skating.

Later Roles: 2006–2024

In 2006, Michelle guest-starred in an episode of House. She also appeared in the music video for "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" by Fall Out Boy.

Michelle Trachtenberg in 2008

In 2006, Michelle starred in Black Christmas, a remake of an older horror movie. From 2008 to 2012, she became very popular for her role as Georgina Sparks on The CW show Gossip Girl. Georgina was a mischievous character who often caused trouble for the main characters. Michelle appeared in many episodes throughout the show's run.

In 2009, Michelle was a cast member on the NBC drama series Mercy. She also starred in the teen comedy 17 Again and had a small role in the comedy Cop Out (2010).

Michelle Trachtenberg in 2011

In 2011, Michelle guest-starred on Love Bites and Weeds. In 2012, she was cast in the film The Scribbler. In 2013, she played Diane Turner in an episode of Criminal Minds. She also played Marina Oswald in the TV film Killing Kennedy.

In 2015, Michelle starred in the online series Guidance as a high school guidance counselor. In 2016, she mentioned that she was working on several writing projects.

In 2022, Michelle returned to her role as Georgina Sparks in the new Gossip Girl series on HBO. In 2023, she provided a voice for the animated series adaptation of Harriet the Spy on Apple TV.

Later Life

In early 2024, Michelle Trachtenberg shared on social media that she was "happy and healthy" after people commented on her appearance.

Michelle passed away on February 26, 2025, at the age of 39. She had undergone a liver transplant in the months before her passing.

Filmography

Film

Television

Web series

Music videos

Awards and Nominations

Michelle Trachtenberg has won several awards and received nominations for her acting. Here are some of them:

See also

In Spanish: Michelle Trachtenberg para niños