Marie Claire UK Marie Claire UK
  • Fashion Fashion
      • Fashion
        • View all Fashion
        • Fashion Trends
        • Shopping
        • Watches and Jewellery
        • Fashion News
  • Beauty Beauty
      • Beauty
        • View all Beauty
        • Fragrance
        • Hair
        • Make Up
        • Skincare
        • Nails
        • Marie Claire Beauty Awards
  • Health Health
      • Health
        • View all Health
        • Fitness
        • Nutrition
        • Female Health
        • Wellbeing
  • Life Life
      • Life
        • View all Life
        • Opinions
        • Travel
        • Sustainability
        • Weddings
        • Money & Work
        • Competitions
  • Culture Culture
      • Culture
        • View all Culture
        • TV and Film
        • Celebrity News
        • Books
        • Royal News
  • Vouchers Vouchers
      • Clothing
        • View all Vouchers
        • Mint Velvet
        • Karen Millen
        • H&M
        • nobody's child
        • ASOS
        • ARKET
        • MANGO
      • Designer Clothing
        • View all Vouchers
        • Reiss
        • THE OUTNET
        • SSENSE
        • Mytheresa
        • Liberty London
        • Selfridges
        • Farfetch
      • Accessories
        • View all Vouchers
        • AllSaints
        • Aspinal of London
        • Charles & Keith
        • River Island
        • FitFlop
        • Kate Spade
        • Vagabond
      • Jewellery
        • View all Vouchers
        • Pandora
        • Abbott Lyon
        • Goldsmiths
        • Beaverbrooks
        • Astrid & Miyu
        • Swarovski
        • Angara Jewellery
      • Beauty
        • View all Vouchers
        • Sephora
        • Cult Beauty
        • Space NK
        • Dyson
        • Clarins
        • Look Fantastic
        • Clinique
      • Activewear
        • View all Vouchers
        • Lululemon
        • Gymshark
        • Sweaty Betty
        • Nike
        • adidas
        • New Balance
        • Helly Hansen
  • NEWSLETTER Signup to our newsletter
  • logoCreated with Sketch.
    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!


    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

    You are now subscribed

    Your newsletter sign-up was successful


    An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
    Trending
    • Women in Sport 2026
    • Marie Claire Masters
    • Spring Summer 2026
    • Nail Trends 2026
    • Best Investment Bags
    • Best Perfumes
    • Digital Issues
    • Women Who Win
    1. Celebrity News

    The Gossip Girl cast has paid emotional tribute to star Michelle Trachtenberg

    Jenny Proudfoot's avatar
    By Jenny Proudfoot
    Published 28 February 2025 In News

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Michelle Trachtenberg and Leighton Meester on the set of Gossip Girl
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
    • Facebook
    • X
    • Pinterest
    Share this article
    Join the conversation
    Follow us
    Add us as a preferred source on Google
    Subscribe to our newsletter

    Michelle Trachtenberg is confirmed to have died aged 39, with her representatives announcing the tragic news on Wednesday.

    Trachtenberg was best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Harriet the Spy, Ice Princess, and Gossip Girl, where she starred as beloved villain Georgina Sparks.

    And in the days since the news of her passing, friends and co-stars from Sarah Michelle Gellar to Kim Cattrall have paid tribute to the star.

    Among them were the Gossip Girl cast and crew, who came out in force to pay their respects.

    Blake Lively and Michelle Trachtenberg

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    "She was electricity," posted Gossip Girl co-star Blake Lively in a moving tribute, following the tragic news. "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 lipgloss on 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 lipgloss because she cared about the sweet details.

    You may like
    • Kaia Gerber Everything Kaia Gerber Wears Is a Masterclass in Minimalism—These Are the Pieces and Brands She Always Goes Back to
    • Zendaya Vintage T-shirt This Trending T-Shirt Style Comes Approved by Zendaya and Alexa Chung—And It's So Easy to Throw On With Anything
    • Lexi Minetree in Elle, the Legally Blonde prequel Legally Blonde's Prequel Elle Captures the Lost Joy of Analogue Adolescence

    "She was a kind person, through and through," Lively's post continued. "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."

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

    A post shared by Jessica Szohr (@jessicaszohr)

    A photo posted by on

    "This amazing woman bursts onto the scene with energy that instantly brings a smile to your face," added former co-star Jessica Szohr in an Instagram tribute. "She’s not only a true professional, but she’s also the perfect antidote to anyone who takes life a bit too seriously. Her kindness and outrageous sense of humor create an atmosphere of joy, both on set and beyond. We shared countless laughs during filming, over the phone, and at various events. Her captivating stories are so entertaining that you can’t help but want to hear more! She’s truly one of a kind."

    A post shared by Chace Crawford (@chacecrawford)

    A photo posted by on

    "Michelle was one of a kind," added actor Chace Crawford in a moving tribute. "I remember her coming on set for the first time and just absolutely owning it. She was a force of nature and just so so unapologetically funny and magnetic.. remembering those years with a big smile. Just a terrible loss. Love you ❤️."

    "So sad to hear of the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg," added Ed Westwick. "Sending prayers."

    What to read next
    • The Rachel Hair on Gigi Hadid, created by hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos  Gigi Hadid Brought Back the 'Rachel' Haircut—So I Tried It Too, and My Hair Has Never Looked So Full
    • Skirt Suits Skirt Suits Are Back, According to the A-Listers in New York Right Now—Here’s How to Wear One for Summer and Beyond
    • Ella Bright Off Campus How Ella Bright’s Character in Off Campus Proves Boobs Don’t Have to Be the Main Focus—For Once

    A post shared by Taylor Momsen (@taylormomsen)

    A photo posted by on

    "When I met this girl 17 years ago I knew we’d be friends," posted Gossip Girl star Taylor Momsen in a moving tribute. "She was smart and sassy, bold and sensitive, funny as fuck and filled with fire. She was simply awesome. She was always in my corner and there to support me whether I was right or wrong.

    Her tribute continued: "I will miss you everyday my love..I think we truly understood each other and I am so grateful to have had a friend like you in my life for so long..You were a true friend to me which is a rarity in this world and I can’t believe I won’t hear your voice again..I hope you’re fucking up heaven for both of us."

    The cast of Gossip Girl attend Eric Daman's 'You Know You Want It' publication

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    "We are deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing. Michelle was so funny, kind, and talented," the Gossip Girl show creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage also announced in a joint statement.

    "Her portrayal of Georgina Sparks was an iconic fan favorite, and grew from a one season villain to a beloved character who returned over the course of six seasons. She was a delight to have on set and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family."

    Our thoughts are with Michelle Trachtenberg's loved ones.

    Jenny Proudfoot
    Jenny Proudfoot
    Social Links Navigation
    Contributing Features Editor

    Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. After working at Marie Claire UK for seven years - rising from intern to Features Editor - she is now a freelance contributor to the News and Features section.

    In 2021, Jenny was named as a winner on the PPA's '30 under 30' list, and was also listed as a rising star in journalism.

    Read more
    Kaia Gerber
    Shopping Everything Kaia Gerber Wears Is a Masterclass in Minimalism—These Are the Pieces and Brands She Always Goes Back to
    Zendaya Vintage T-shirt
    Shopping This Trending T-Shirt Style Comes Approved by Zendaya and Alexa Chung—And It's So Easy to Throw On With Anything
     
     
    Lexi Minetree in Elle, the Legally Blonde prequel
    Culture Legally Blonde's Prequel Elle Captures the Lost Joy of Analogue Adolescence
    The Rachel Hair on Gigi Hadid, created by hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos
    Hair Gigi Hadid Brought Back the 'Rachel' Haircut—So I Tried It Too, and My Hair Has Never Looked So Full
     
     
    Latest in Celebrity News
    Olivia Rodrigo performing on stage in a babydoll dress that sparked online debate, later prompting the singer to speak out about the sexualisation of girlhood and double standards facing young women.
    Celebrity News “We Really Normalise Pedophilia in Our Culture”: What Olivia Rodrigo's Babydoll Dress Backlash Reveals About Girlhood
    Meghan Markle in 'With Love, Meghan'
    Celebrity News Meghan Markle’s Sweet Glimpse Into Sussex Family Life Is Going Viral
     
     
    Anne Hathaway attends the premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2
    Celebrity News Anne Hathaway Has Spoken Out About Her 10-Year Health Battle
    The Prince and Princess of Wales visit the Isles of Mull and Iona
    Royal News Royal Experts Predict a Major Milestone From Princess Kate This Autumn
     
     
    Latest in News
    New Beauty Products: The Beauty Digest
    Beauty The Beauty Digest: Dyson Does Teeth, Fenty Rips Up the Rulebook (Again) and a Surprisingly Fragrant Week for Dogs
    Jodie Comer
    Shopping Jodie Comer Just Announced the Start of Knee-High Boots Season
     
     
    Kaia Gerber
    Shopping Kaia Gerber Just Wore the ’90s Dress Style That’s as Flattering as It Is Low-Effort
    Oxfam
    Fashion “The Water Used to Produce Britain’s Unworn Clothes Is Enough to Supply 1 Million People for a Lifetime”: Oxfam’s Latest State of Style Report Finds
     
     
    logoCreated with Sketch.
    • Site Archive
    • Contact Future's experts
    • Contact us
    • Terms and conditions
    • Advertise with us
    • Privacy policy
    • Cookies policy
    • About us
    Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google

    Marie Claire UK is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

    © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.