Michelle Trachtenberg’s death at age 39 hit her legion of fans quite hard on Wednesday, and her onscreen sister from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” was no different.
Sarah Michelle Gellar quoted her iconic character in her tribute to the actress behind little sister Dawn on Thursday.
“Michelle, listen to me. 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,” she wrote on Instagram, referencing Season 5, Episode 22 “The Gift.” Her message was accompanied by eight photos of the pair from throughout their time together.
Trachtenberg received similar outpourings of love from many of her former co-stars upon her death — including fellow “Buffy” stars Alyson Hannigan, David Boreanaz, James Marsters and Emma Caulfield, as well as Rosie O’Donnell, Kim Cattrall, Ed Westwick and Chace Crawford.
In addition to “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” Trachtenberg was well-known for starring in “Gossip Girl,” “Ice Princess,” “EuroTrip,” “Harriet the Spy,” “The Adventures of Pete & Pete,” “17 Again,” “Mercy,” “Mysterious Skin,” “Black Christmas” and “Inspector Gadget,” just to name a few.
The actress’ death is not being investigated as suspicious, according to police sources with the New York Post. Per ABC News, Trachtenberg’s mother found her unresponsive at her New York City apartment early Wednesday morning.
“It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away,” her publicist told TheWrap. “The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time.”
