Sarah Michelle Gellar honors Michelle Trachtenberg on the anniversary of her passing, sharing heartfelt memories and photos of their 30-year friendship.
- March 15, 2026
AceShowbiz - Today marks the first anniversary of the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg, and her close friend and former co-star, Sarah Michelle Gellar, paid a heartfelt tribute to her on social media.
On Instagram, Gellar shared a carousel of photos highlighting moments from their longstanding friendship. She wrote, “I'm not sure how it's been a year. I'm one of the lucky ones who has over 30 years of memories with you,” recalling their early days together on set. Gellar fondly mentioned how, within less than a year of working side by side, Trachtenberg had already grown taller than her.
Trachtenberg, aged 39, was found dead on February 26, 2025, in New York City. The city’s chief medical examiner later confirmed her death was natural, caused by complications related to diabetes. Prior to her passing, she had faced several health challenges and had undergone a liver transplant months earlier.
In her tribute, Gellar reflected on their first collaboration on the ABC soap opera All My Children, and how the 1996 film Harriet the Spy had propelled Trachtenberg to stardom. The actresses later portrayed sisters on the iconic TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Gellar also remembered Trachtenberg’s kindness toward her children, mentioning the numerous birthday parties she attended despite likely having other plans. She praised Trachtenberg’s radiant smile, saying it “took up your entire face and brought so much joy to others.” Gellar expressed a commitment to ensuring Trachtenberg will be remembered despite her time with them being too short.
Beyond Buffy, Trachtenberg had a prolific career with roles in shows such as Gossip Girl and its HBO Max reboot, Law & Order, Clarissa Explains It All, Six Feet Under, Mercy, Weeds, Sleepy Hollow, and Criminal Minds.
When news of Trachtenberg’s death broke, Gellar posted photos of their time together with a caption echoing a poignant line from Buffy the Vampire Slayer: “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.”
