Michelle Trachtenberg slammed concerns about her ‘yellow eyes’ and ‘sucked in’ cheeks months before death

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Michelle Trachtenberg, before her death on February 26, had been pushing back against speculation about her health.

The 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Gossip Girl' star, 38, had taken to Instagram to address concerns and criticism over her appearance, as reported by People.

Michelle Trachtenberg called out critics over health concerns

"Fun fact. This is my face. Not malnutrition, no problems. Why do you have to hate? Get a calendar," she wrote in a selfie post, showing off her pink-dipped hair.

The scrutiny intensified after a previous photo in which she wore a graphic tee and heavy eyeliner. While some fans expressed concern, others accused her of cosmetic procedures.

"You’re stunning, but you had buccal fat removal," one follower commented. "Your cheeks suddenly look sucked in… why lie about it?" Trachtenberg didn’t hold back in her response.

One commenter expressed concern, noting a yellow tint in her eyes but reassured her by adding, "Concerned for yellow in your eyes but other than that you are a QUEEN and you’re a wonderful human being who deserves love and joy."

In a follow-up post, she shut down the rumors, "I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery. I am happy and healthy. Check yourself, haters."

Trachtenberg had often used her platform to reflect on personal struggles. In 2020, she spoke candidly on Instagram about being bullied as a child actor. "The kids were cruel," she admitted, adding, "I still have scars from being thrown down stairs and slammed into lockers headfirst."

Michelle Trachtenberg’s tragic death at 39

Michelle Trachtenberg, the beloved actress who captivated audiences from 'Harriet the Spy' to 'Gossip Girl', was found unresponsive in her New York City apartment on February 26. She was 39. 

Born on October 11, 1985, Trachtenberg was the youngest daughter of Michael and Lana, growing up alongside her older sister, Irene. Proud of her Russian heritage, she often spoke about the deep cultural ties that shaped her upbringing. Her mother, born in Russia, made sure the language was a constant presence in their home. That fluency would later prove invaluable in her acting career, particularly when portraying Marina Oswald in 'Killing Kennedy'.

At the time of her death, Trachtenberg was in a committed relationship with talent agent Jay Cohen. The two began dating in 2020, though industry insiders speculate their history might have stretched back to 2014, when she first signed with his agency, Gersh.

Their love became public when Trachtenberg posted a Valentine’s Day tribute to Cohen in 2023, introducing him to her followers. She wrote, "My Valentine."

On the morning of February 26, officers responded to a distress call at 1 Columbus Place, where they discovered Trachtenberg "unconscious and unresponsive." Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene.

A spokesperson for the NYPD confirmed that no foul play was suspected, though an official cause of death remains under investigation, pending autopsy results. Reports have since emerged that Trachtenberg recently underwent a liver transplant, raising speculation that complications from the procedure may have played a role in her untimely death.