Michelle Trachtenberg Hit Back at Critics Questioning Her Health 1 Year Before Her Death: 'Check Yourself, Haters'

Mar. 15, 2025

One year beforeher death at age 39,Michelle Trachtenbergshut down criticism about her appearance and health.

In a post onInstagramat the beginning of 2024, theGossip Girlactress wrote alongside a selfie: “Fun fact.This is my face. Not malnutrition no problems. Why do you have to hate? Get a calendar.”

One user even pointed out that they were concerned about her eye appearance, writing, “Sure it’s not a liver issue here? Not trying to be mean just looks worrisome.”

Michelle Trachtenberg/Instagram

Despite her response assuring followers that she was happy and healthy, theBuffy the Vampire Slayeractress was found dead in New York City around 8 a.m. on Feb. 26.

“Upon arrival, officers observed a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive. EMS responded to the location and pronounced the victim deceased. Criminality is not suspected,” the NYPD confirmed to PEOPLE.

Michelle Trachtenberg.John Salangsang/Variety/Penske Media via Getty

John Salangsang/Variety/Penske Media via Getty

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The actress was best known for her roles as Georgina Sparks onGossip Girland Dawn Summers onBuffy the Vampire Slayer. However, she got her start in commercials before landing her roles on Nickelodeon’sThe Adventures of Pete & Peteand onAll My Children.

Her big breakout as the titular character inHarriet the Spycame in 1996. She also had several other prominent roles across film and television over the years, including inEuroTrip,17 Againand Ice Princess.

Trachtenberg’s last credited role was in 2023, reprising Georgina Sparks on Max’sGossip Girlreboot.

source: people.com