Kim Cattrall, Melissa Joan Hart, other celebs honor 'talented' Michelle Trachtenberg after her death

As news of Michelle Trachtenberg's death spread, numerous celebs shared heartfelt tributes to the actress, remembering her talent and vibrant spirit
UPDATED FEB 27, 2025
Several celebrities, including Kim Cattrall and Melissa Joan Hart, paid tribute to Michelle Trachtenberg after her tragic death at 39 (Getty Images)
Several celebrities, including Kim Cattrall and Melissa Joan Hart, paid tribute to Michelle Trachtenberg after her tragic death at 39 (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Michelle Trachtenberg, the beloved actress known for her roles in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Gossip Girl', who tragically passed away on Wednesday, February 26, at the age of 39.

Police sources told ABC News that Trachtenberg's mother found her unresponsive in her New York City apartment. She had recently undergone a liver transplant, and complications may have contributed to her unexpected death. No foul play is suspected.

As news of Trachtenberg's death spread, numerous celebrities, co-stars, and friends shared heartfelt tributes to the actress, remembering her kindness, talent, and vibrant spirit.

1. Kim Cattrall

Kim Cattrall, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in the 2005 Disney movie 'Ice Princess', shared a photo of the two on set, writing, “Rest in peace sweet Michelle.”


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Kim Cattrall (@kimcattrall)


 

2. Melissa Gilbert

Melissa Gilbert, who worked with Trachtenberg in the 1996 movie 'Holiday for Love', also shared a photo from the movie, along with a heartfelt message, “Oh Michy…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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A post shared by Melissa E. Gilbert (@melissagilbertofficial)


 

3. Kenan Thompson

Kenan Thompson, who worked with Trachtenberg for Nickelodeon in the '90s, posted a video of their time together and wrote, “Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! ???????? Check on your people!!!"


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Kenan Thompson (@kenanthompson)


 

4. Melissa Joan Hart

Melissa Joan Hart, who worked with Trachtenberg in 'Clarissa Explains It All' in 1992, shared a clip from the show, remembering her friend fondly. “I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg!! So young, so talented and so sweet! Here is a fun scene from when she was on #ClarissaExplainsItAll," she captioned the video.


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Melissa Joan Hart (@melissajoanhart)


 

She added, "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. #gonetoosoon #RIP #GodBlesstheFunnyPeople.”

5. Chris Colfer

'Glee' alum Chris Colfer remembered Trachtenberg on Instagram, sharing a photo and writing, “Michelle was the absolute sweetest and one of the most supportive people I knew. I’m so lucky I got to be her friend. 💔”


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Chris Colfer (@chriscolfer)


 

6. Kristin Chenoweth

Kristin Chenoweth also honored Trachtenberg by posting an image on her Instagram Story of them laughing together. “One of the most precious people I’ve ever known. I will never forget you, Michelle,” she wrote.

Kristin Chenoweth also honored Michelle Trachtenberg (kchenoweth/ Instagram)
Kristin Chenoweth paid tribute to Michelle Trachtenberg after her death at the age of 39 (kchenoweth/ Instagram)

7. J Smith-Cameron

In one of the most emotional tributes, Trachtenberg's 'Harriet the Spy' co-star J Smith-Cameron (who is now famous for her role as Gerri in 'Succession') shared a statement recalling her time working with the late actress on the 1996 film, Perez Hilton reported.

J. Smith-Cameron attends
J. Smith-Cameron attends 'A Real Pain' UK premiere during the 68th BFI London Film Festival at The Royal Festival Hall on October 13, 2024, in London, England (Tim P Whitby/Getty Images for The Walt Disney Company Limited)

She said, “I played Mrs Welch, Harriet’s mother in Harriet the Spy. Michelle had been on a Nickelodeon show called Adventures of Pete & Pete — but this seemed to be her first lead film role. She was so excited."

She added, "Her natural ebullient nature was ratcheted up into giddiness as she tried to learn how to handle all that came with that. She was a very charming little girl. Years later, we found each other on social media and connected briefly. She was always very warm toward me. I feel very shocked and unsettled to hear of her passing.”

8. Kimberly J Brown

'Halloweentown' actress Kimberly J Brown shared a picture of her and Trachtenberg as kids on Instagram Story, adding a broken heart emoji in tribute.

Kimberly J. Brown paid tribute to Michelle Trachtenberg (officialkjb/ Instagram)
Kimberly J Brown paid tribute to Michelle Trachtenberg by sharing a photo of them together (officialkjb/ Instagram)

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