Blake Lively shares “heartbreaking” tribute to Gossip Girl co-star Michelle Trachtenberg
The CWAs tributes continue to pour in for Michelle Trachtenberg, Blake Lively has shared a “heartbreaking” homage to her fellow Gossip Girl star, describing her as a “kind person through and through.”
Trachtenberg, best known for her role as Buffy’s sister Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died aged 39. The actress’ body was found at her New York apartment on Wednesday, February 26.
A cause of death has not yet been determined by the authorities, but it’s not being treated as suspicious. According to reports, Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant in the past year, although it’s not known whether her death is linked to the procedure.
As well as her role on Buffy, Trachtenberg played Georgina Sparks in the popular ‘00s show Gossip Girl, starring alongside Lively.
Blake Lively honors Michelle Trachtenberg in Instagram post
Taking to Instagram amid the news of her death, Lively shared a photo of the pair on set of Gossip Girl. “This is the first day I met Michelle,” she wrote.
Instagram: @blakelively“She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%.
“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 distinctly herself.
“And she always had yummy caramel-smelling lip gloss 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 lip gloss because she cared about the sweet details.”
Lively went on to say, “She was a kind person through and through. 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 blindside you on an idle Tuesday.
“Hold those you love and have loved dear. The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle. May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.”
Fans defend Lively’s tribute
Due to her ongoing legal battle with It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni, reaction to her tribute is mixed. However, despite the loud backlash she’s facing online, a number of spectators have jumped in to defend her.
SonyAs said by one under an X/Twitter post about the tribute, “Whatever your thoughts are on Blake Lively, she has a right to mourn.” Another said, “Beautifully put. Rest in peace Michelle Trachtenberg.”
A third added, “The fact that Lively, embroiled in her own legal dispute with Justin Baldoni, has chosen to speak out suggests that her bond with Trachtenberg transcended the public tensions of her recent life, prioritizing a heartfelt tribute.” And a fourth wrote, “This is heartbreaking.”
Others have simply shared their own tributes, with one writing, “Michelle Trachtenberg brought so much joy and unforgettable moments to fans through her iconic roles in Buffy, Gossip Girl, and Harriet the Spy. Her talent and spirit will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, Michelle.
“Gone too soon. Her work and spirit will live on in our hearts,” said another, with a third adding, “She raised all of us who grew up in the 2000s, may she rest in peace.”
