As we mourn the death of Michelle Trachtenberg, who was found dead in her New York City apartment on Wednesday, we remember her best-known roles, from Dawn on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” to Georgina Sparks on “Gossip Girl.”
Dawn Summers on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”
The strangely not-human little sister of Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) appeared out of nowhere but quickly became a central part of the series. If she was not getting kidnapped or otherwise put in mortal danger — or going through that klepto phase — she was helping her big sister save the world. Again.
Harriet M. Welsch in “Harriet the Spy”
The actress got her start in this 1996 movie as sixth-grade detective Harriet Welsch, based on the books by Louise Fitzhugh. Known for her trademark journal, she scribbled down notes about all suspicious activities including her family, friends, classmates and neighbors.
Georgina Sparks on “Gossip Girl”
The best episodes of “Gossip Girl” were those graced by Trachtenberg’s iconic portrayal of Georgina Sparks, the longtime frenemy of Blake Lively’s Serena van der Woodsen. Trachtenberg brought both the sass and cutthroat edge needed to wreak havoc on Serena’s life when she is first introduced, as well as the naivety and clueless innocence needed to pull off Georgina’s transformation into a reformed trouble maker who found Jesus. As she slowly gets pulled back into the world of mischief by Serena, Blair and Chuck — and later even takes on the role of Gossip Girl as a bored housewife — Trachtenberg nailed every iteration of Georgina, guaranteeing fans a laugh whenever she showed up on screen.
Melissa in “Black Christmas”
In 2006, Trachtenberg played Melissa in the remake of holiday horror film “Black Christmas.” Her character was seen as the most likable of the sorority sisters being hunted on Christmas Eve but that did not stop her from finding a bloody end that night.
Casey Carlyle in “Ice Princess”
Trachtenberg was the “Ice Princess” of our dreams in the 2005 film as Casey, a bookworm who blossoms into a figure skater after crafting a physics project aimed at improving her ice skating capabilities. While the project was aimed at pursuing a scholarship at Harvard, it plunges her into the world of professional ice skating, pulling her between two passions — one with a lot more guarantees. Trachtenberg’s performance created a coming-of-age classic to be referenced for years to come.
Nona Mecklenberg in “The Adventures of Pete and Pete”
“The Adventures of Pete and Pete” was Trachtenberg’s first big role. She played Nona Mecklenberg. She was Little Pete’s best friend and was known for the cast she sported – not because she had a broken arm but because it makes her arm itch which she liked to scratch.
Jenny in “EuroTrip”
Trachtenberg played Jenny in 2004’s raunchy comedy “EuroTrip.” In the film, she accompanies her friends Scotty and Cooper in search of Scotty’s German pen pal Mieke after he is dumped by his girlfriend. Along the way Jenny and Cooper fall for each other.
