Following the death of Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Michelle Trachtenberg on Wednesday 26 February, her pal Amanda De Cadenet shared an emotional tribute on Instagram. Amanda, 52, wrote: “Sweetheart Michelle. What sad news this morning to wake up to. It feels weird and awful to be posting this, but I want to acknowledge your death because I cared about you. I will always remember you as the young vivacious woman I met when I took this photo of you…,” alongside a snapshot capturing Michelle’s youthful spirit. She reflected on their recent contact, saying, “Seeing your face from the hospital bed when we FaceTimed recently, even though you did not look like you, your sweetness and humor were still alive.” Amanda initially added, “I will not share the details of our conversations over the last 6 months. But you knew that death was a high possibility,” but chose to remove this intimate detail later. Her updated message read: “I am only sorry that the outcome was not a better one. Wishing you a peaceful transition sweet friend and may your spirit finally rest.”
Amanda de Cadenet has spoken out about her friendship with Michelle
(Image: WWD via Getty Images)
Known in the UK for her ’90s stints on The Big Breakfast and The Word, Amanda now resides in LA, pursuing photography. The tragic announcement came on Wednesday night that Michelle had passed away at her Manhattan home, aged just 39. Authorities are not treating her death as suspicious, with speculation pointing towards potential complications from a liver transplant she reportedly underwent, reports the Mirror. Michelle began her acting career at the tender age of nine on the much-loved Nickelodeon show The Adventures of Pete and Pete, bringing to life the quirky Nona F. Mecklenberg. Her early days were sprinkled with appearances in family-friendly flicks and series, most notably as the gutsy lead in Harriet the Spy. As she entered her teens, she gained fame for her role as Dawn Summers, Buffy’s little sister in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and later as the devious Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl, a character she embodied throughout its six-season tenure. Tributes have been pouring in for the actress from friends and former castmates. David Boreanaz, who starred as Angel in Buffy The Vampire Slayer, expressed his deep sorrow, saying he was “so very sad” while honouring Michelle. The US actor posted a heartfelt message on Instagram stories alongside a monochrome snapshot of Trachtenberg, which he sourced from an American news outlet’s post. His words read: “So very sad. Horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family.”
Michelle starred with Sarah Michelle Gellar in Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Michelle’s Gossip Girl co-star, Ed Westwick said: “So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg Sending prayers.” While Blake Lively, a fellow alum of the hit series, reflected on Michelle’s impact on Wednesday evening. She wrote: “Everything she did, she did 200%. She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke, she faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself.” Continuing in her poignant homage, Blake mused: “Time passes. You take for granted that you get the chance to see an old friend. To paraphrase, the real tragedies in life are the ones that blindside you on an idle Tuesday. Hold those you love and have loved dear. The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle. May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.”
