Michelle Trachtenberg was born on October 11, 1985, in New York City. She grew up in Brooklyn and attended middle school there before moving to California, where she graduated from Notre Dame High School.
Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in Harriet the Spy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Gossip Girl, has died at the age of 39.
Here are some lesser-known facts about Michelle Trachtenberg:
She underwent a Liver Transplant Before Her Death
Michelle Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant months before her passing. While the exact cause of her death is still under investigation, complications from the transplant could have played a role.
She Was Found Dead in Her Manhattan Apartment
The actress was discovered unresponsive in her home in Manhattan on February 26, 2025. Authorities have stated that no foul play was suspected, but her sudden passing shocked her family, friends, and fans.
Her Boyfriend, Jay Cohen, 63, Declined to Comment
Trachtenberg was in a relationship with talent manager Jay Cohen, who is 63 years old. Following her passing, he told the media that the family would not be commenting on the situation, marking his first public statement after her death.
Her Death Shocked Neighbors and Colleagues
Those close to Trachtenberg, including her neighbors, were reportedly surprised by her passing, as her health struggles were not widely known. Many former co-stars, including those from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, shared emotional tributes in her memory.
She Was Fluent in Russian
Michelle Trachtenberg was born to a German-American father and a Russian-Jewish mother. She spoke Russian fluently and often communicated with her grandmother in the language.
She Had a Deep Interest in Science
Unlike many child stars, Trachtenberg had a strong academic side. She was particularly interested in science and mathematics and even considered pursuing a career in forensic science before fully committing to acting.
She Started Acting at Just 3 Years Old
Trachtenberg began her career in commercials at age three. She appeared in over 100 advertisements before landing her first television role in The Adventures of Pete & Pete.
