The cast of Gossip Girl cast take to social media to share their memories with co-star Michelle Trachtenberg
TV star Michelle Trachtenberg has died, aged 39. In recent years, fans have been left concerned by her appearance, though she would hit back insisting she was fine.
However, it has since been revealed that the actress, known for playing Georgina Sparks in much-loved teen drama Gossip Girl, had a secret health battle. It’s reported that she could “hardly walk down stairs” in the days leading to her death.
Michelle was a familiar face on many of our screens, starring in the 90s supernatural series Buffy The Vampire Slayer and in teen films like Ice Princess and 17 Again.
Gossip Girl fans have reacted to the sad news online as the cast’s messages, paying tribute to their co-star, came flooding in. The TV stars shared their memories with Michelle in heartfelt posts, celebrating the life of their “one of a kind” friend.
Blake Lively, who played protagonist Serena van der Woodsen on the popular show, wrote a moving tribute on her Instagram story, alongside a picture of her and Michelle’s first scene together. She shared that the photo was taken the first time she met her co-star and how everything Michelle did would be done with “200%”.
It went on to say: “She was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved; she was big and bold and distinctly herself… She was a kind person, through and through.” Blake admitted that as time passed, the two lost touch but that when Michelle passed away “the world lost a deeply sensitive and good person”.
Blake said: “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.”
Chace Crawford, who played Nate Archibald on the show, also honoured his late friend in a sincere post. The 39-year-old actor wrote: “Michelle was one of a kind. 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.”
As more and more people begin to pay tribute to Michelle, actress and singer Taylor Momsen took to Instagram to share her condolences and reflect on their friendship. Taylor is best known for playing Cindy Lou as a child and going on to play Jenny Humphrey in Gossip Girl.
Alongside a series of photos of the Buffy actress, Taylor wrote: “In shock… when I met this girl 17 years ago, I knew we’d be friends. She was smart and sassy, bold and sensitive, funny as f*** and filled with fire. She was simply awesome.”
The frontwoman of rock band The Pretty Reckless was just 14 when she starred alongside Michelle and recalls the two sharing “late night calls” that she claims “nobody should ever hear, but us”. Her heartfelt post went on to say: “My heart is on the floor. I’m still in shock, but I needed to honour her, she deserves more than this.”
Other famous faces have added to the masses of messages, in disbelief at the loss of Michelle, including Gossip Girl actress Jessica Szohr and Ed Westwick, who simply wrote: “So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg, sending prayers.”
Jessica posted a number of photos of the two together, in tribute to the “amazing woman”. She shared that Michelle was “not only a true professional, but she’s also the perfect antidote to anyone who takes life a bit too seriously.”
Her post went on to say: “Her kindness and outrageous sense of humour create an atmosphere of joy, both on set and beyond. We shared countless laughs during filming, over the phone, and at various events.” Finalising that “She’s truly one of a kind.”
The Hollywood star was found dead in her New York apartment at approximately 8am on Wednesday, and a report from ABC in America put her death down to ”natural causes”. They shared: “Trachtenberg is believed to have died of natural causes and no foul play is suspected.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
