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February 26, 2025

Michelle Trachtenberg, Actress + Music Video Star, Dead at 39

Michelle Trachtenberg, a well-known actress who appeared in several 2000s rock music videos, has died at the age of 39.According to ABC News, Trachtenberg was found dead in her apartment in New York City this morning (Feb. 26) by her mother. Authorities didn’t suspect any foul play and presume the actress died of natural causes, though she did recently undergo a liver transplant and may have been experiencing complications.At this time, though, an official cause of death has not been revealed.The actress was best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ice Princess, Gossip Girl, 17 Again and many more movies and television series. Her role in Gossip Girl made her co-stars with The Pretty Reckless’ Taylor Momsen, who played an important character in the show.She also had roles in a couple of rock music videos, including Trapt’s “Echo” in 2004, Ringside’s “Tired of Being Sorry” the following year and Fall Out Boy’s “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race” in ’07.READ MORE: 25 Actors Who Transformed Into Real-life Rockstars for MoviesSee screenshots of the actress in the Trapt and Fall Out Boy videos below.Michelle Trachtenberg in ‘Echo’ VideoMichelle trachtenberg in trapt echo videoYouTube – Warner Records Vaultloading…Michelle Trachtenberg in ‘This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race’ VideoMichelle Trachtenberg in fall out boy videoYouTube – Fall Out Boyloading…Trachtenberg was also apparently romantically involved with Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz for a time. StyleCaster states that the pair dated in 2006, and then went out again after the musician’s divorce from Ashlee Simpson in 2011.We send our condolences to Trachtenberg’s loved ones at this time. Rest in peace.Rockers We’ve Lost in 2025There’s some amazing talent that’s no longer with us, but what a legacy they left behind.Gallery Credit: Chad Childers, Loudwire