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Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayGossip Girl’s Michelle Trachtenberg Underwent Liver Transplant Months Before Death
Sarah Michelle Gellar is honoring her onscreen sister.
After Michelle Trachtenberg suddenly died on Feb. 26 at 39, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum paid tribute to her costar.
"Michelle, listen to me," Sarah captioned her Feb. 27 Instagram post. "Listen. I love you. I will always love you. The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you."
Her emotional message to Michelle, who had recently undergone a liver transplant, according to multiple outlets, was accompanied by several sweet photos of them together.
Sarah—who previously shared that Michelle "will always hold a key" to her heart—also included a key emoji in her reflection.
The duo's bond—which first took shape when the pair starred on All My Children together from 1994 to 1995—only deepened as the latter joined Buffy in season 5 as the star's little sister Dawn Summers.
In fact, Michelle told Entertainment Weekly in 2000, as she made her debut in Sunnydale, that she "watched the show from day 1" to support her pal. She was hooked, however, admitting at the time, "I'm a HUGE fan. I'm a walking encyclopedia of Buffy."
While Buffy and Dawn's relationship as sisters was complicated, the Gossip Girl actress revealed their offscreen dynamic slayed.
"Sarah was really supportive, which was a comforting feeling," she explained to the outlet of her time on set. "Everyone on the set, especially Sarah, is really fabulous about getting me my time in school and saying, 'Okay, what are you learning now? You have a geometry test to take? Then go, go!'"
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Since the CW series wrapped in 2003, Sarah and Michelle kept their bond alive. For instance, the former shared a loving tribute on her friend's 30th birthday.
"How is it possible that you are 30," the Dexter: Original Sin actress wrote on Instagram in 2015. "I met you as a little girl on #allmychildren and have continued to watch you grow. You may be taller then me now, but you will always be my little sister. You have the #key to my heart."
Meanwhile, the Ice Princess star returned the favor, writing on Instagram for Sarah's 46th birthday in April 2023, "Wishing the always fabulous and bad ass @sarahmgellar a very Happy Birthday. Take the day off sis. No Vampire slaying for you today!"
Keep reading to see more stars who've honored Michelle's legacy.
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Alyson Hannigan
"I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing," the Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum wrote on Instagram. "She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends."
Chace Crawford
"Michelle was one of a kind," the Gossip Girl alum wrote on Instagram. "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."
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James Marsters
"My heart is heavy today," the Buffy alum wrote on Instagram. "We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her."
James continued, "My heart goes out to her family who are good people, and are suffering the greatest loss anyone could bear. I hope everyone can give them space to heal in this most difficult time. Godspeed Michelle. You are missed."
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Kate Beckinsale
"What a terrible show and loss, my god," the Underworld actress wrote on Instagram Story. "My heart aches for your mama. Fly safe little bird."
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Blake Lively
"She was electricity," the Gossip Girl alum wrote on Instagram Story. "You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%. She laughed the fullest at someone’s joked, 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."
Blake also remembered Michelle's " yummy caramel smelling lipgloss," noting that the late star wore it because "she liked creating a nice experience for anyone who was in her orbit."
"The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle," she added. "May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire."
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Charisma Carpenter
"It is never easy to see someone so young, bright, beautiful, and full of promise pass away," the Buffy alum wrote on Instagram. "It’s devastating, actually."
"I would be remiss not to acknowledge the undeniable impact she has had on the lives of her fans worldwide," she continued. "She will live on through her performances and her love of storytelling forever."
The actress, who played Cordelia in the teen drama, concluded, "Rest easy, Michelle."
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Leslie Mann
The 17 Again actress wrote of her onscreen daughter, "I will miss you, Michelle."
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Christian Siriano
"My love Michelle you will be forever loved and missed by so many," the fashion designer shared on Instagram Story, "and I will never forget all of our memories together for the rest of my life."
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Kim Cattrall
The Sex and the City alum wrote of her Ice Princess costar, "Rest in peace sweet Michelle."
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Clare Kramer
"Peace out little one," Clare—who played Glory on Buffy—wrote on Instagram. "A talented & kind soul gone way too soon! You’re free to fly now."
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Kenan Thompson
The Nickelodeon star wrote of his fellow alum, "Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! Check on your people!!!"
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Rosie O'Donnell
Michelle's Harriet the Spy costar told Us Weekly, "Heartbreaking. I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
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Emma Caulfield
"I'm so sorry your bright light died so young," the actress—who played Anya on Buffy—wrote of her former costar. "Our Buffy family lost a little sister today... Rest in peace lovely Mish Mish. You were loved."
Matt McGorry
"She had a fierceness but also a deep caring and softness with those she trusted," the Orange Is the New Black actor wrote on Instagram. "She always stood up for her friends, was incredibly talented and had the darkest sense of humor. She had the spirit of a true New Yorker."
Though the two were "really close but lost touch for quite a while," Matt said he was "always sure that we’d cross paths again."
"I was looking forward to meeting as the people we’d grown to become," he added. "You will be missed by so many. Love you, Michelle."
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Kristin Chenoweth
"One of the most precious people I've ever know," the Broadway star wrote on Instagram Story. "I will never forget you, Michelle."
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Shawn Ashmore
Michelle's ex-boyfriend, whom she dated between 2004 and 2006, penned a tribute on social media.
"Incredibly sad to hear about Michelle’s passing," he wrote. "She was an incredible person and I will always remember the years we spent together fondly. She was loving, quirky and would never pass up a law and order SVU marathon:)"
He added, "My condolences to her mother Lana and sister Irene! This is an incredible loss!"
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Kimberly J. Brown
"We met on the kid actor audition circuit and had so many fun, unique adventures both in and out of the Biz together, even coming out to act in LA around the same time as young teens," the Halloweentown alum wrote on Instagram. "As older adults we didn’t see eachother as often but our bond over those early days was always there-as was her outgoing, feisty, funny personality and deep love of acting."
She added, "Sending so much love to her mom Lana and her sister Irene whom she loved so much.I love you, Michelle. Rest easy."
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Melissa Joan Hart
"I'm heartbroken to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg," Melissa wrote on Instagram, alognside a throwback clip from Clarissa Explains It All. "So young, so talented and so sweet!"
She added of the clip, "I think this was about 1992 and the episode was an idea I had about babysitting a total nightmare. But Michelle was nothing like her character and even this young, we got along wonderfully."
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Josh Schwartz & Stephanie Savage
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing," the Gossip Girl creators and showrunners shared with NBC News. "Michelle was so funny, kind, and talented. 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."
The pair continued, "She was a delight to have on set and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family.”
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Mara Wilson
"My heart is breaking for my childhood friend," the Matilda alum wrote on Instagram Story . "Your memory will be a blessing, Michelle."
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Melissa Gilbert
"Oh Michy," Melissa wrote on Instagram in tribute to her A Holiday for Love costar. "And we lived so close to one another…..my heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so… @michelletrachtenberg #ripsweetgirl"
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Ed Westwick
"So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg," the Gossip Girl alum wrote on his Feb. 25 Instagram Story. "Sending prayers."
He closed his message with the praying hands and white heart emojis.
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David Boreanaz
"So very sad..." Michelle's Buffy The Vampire Slayer costar wrote on social media of her passing. "Horrible News. RIP and prayers to her and her family."
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Kevin Zegers
The Gossip Girl alum—who played Damien Dalgaard in the teen drama—described Michelle's passing a "loss."
"Michelle was tough and a force," he added in his Instagram post. "Just a kid, so sad."
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J. August Richards
The Angel alum offered his support to those closest to the actress, writing on Instgram, "My heart goes out to her family and loved ones. What a beautiful spirit who left an amazing legacy… Rest In Peace, dear one."
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Beanie Feldstein
"I'm so beyond heartbroken," the Booksmart star wrote on Instagram Story, adding that Michelle's performance as the titular kid detective in Harriet the Spy "raised all of us little girls wanted to BE something."
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Chris Colfer
“Michelle was the absolute sweetest and one of the most supportive people I knew," the Glee alum wrote on Instagram. "I’m so lucky I got to be her friend."
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Iris Apatow
“I watched her through every stage of my life,” the actress, who is the daughter of Michelle's 17 Again costar Leslie Mann, wrote on Instagram Story. “She brought me a lot of joy when things were hard—I’m so heartbroken. Rest in peace.”
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