Rosie O'Donnell Left 'Heartbroken' Over Michelle Trachtenberg's Death and Reveals Actress 'Struggled for Years' — As Celebrities React with Emotional Tributes
O'Donnell paid tribute to Trachtenberg, as did plenty of her co-stars.
Feb. 26 2025, Published 4:11 p.m. ET
Rosie O'Donnell, who worked alongside Michelle Trachtenberg on one of her earliest movies, has shared her utter sadness at her friend's untimely death, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
Police sources confirmed the Buffy: The Vampire Slayer star's death on Wednesday, saying she died of complications following a liver transplant.
The two starred in 'Harriet the Spy,' which was Trachtenberg's big screen debut.
O'Donnell starred alongside Trachtenberg in 1996's Harriet the Spy. It was the young star's big screen debut, and came when she was just 10 years old.
After hearing of Trachtenberg's passing, O'Donnell released a statement calling the news "heartbreaking."
She said: "I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped."
As RadarOnline.com reported, the actress' mother reportedly discovered her body at her apartment near Columbus Circle in New York City at around 8 A.M. No foul play is believed to be involved, and her death is not being investigated as suspicious.
Trachtenberg died on Wednesday.
Trachtenberg, who was known for her roles in hit TV shows like Gossip Girl and movies including EuroTrip, reportedly had a liver transplant after allegedly battling alcohol issues.
Her shocking death hit her former co-stars hard, with many sharing their condolences and memories online.
Her Buffy co-star James Marsters wrote: "My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her."
Fellow Vampire Slayer David Boreanaz added in his own Instagram Story: "So very sad... horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family."
Shawn Ashmore, whom she dated from 2004 to 2006, shared an emotional tribute, alongside an old photo of the couple. He wrote: "Incredibly sad to hear about Michelle’s passing. She was an incredible person and I will always remember the years we spent together fondly.
"She was loving, quirky and would never pass up a law and order SVU marathon:) My condolences to her mother Lana and sister Irene! This is an incredible loss!"
Kim Cattrall, who played Trachtenberg's coach in Disney's 2005 film Ice Princess, also paid tribute to the Hollywood star, sharing a photo of the pair from the film on Instagram, writing, "Rest in peace sweet Michelle."
Saturday Night Live mainstay Kenan Thompson shared an early team-up with Trachtenberg: "Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! Check on your people!!!
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Trachtenberg was born in New York City on October 11, 1985.
Her acting career began when she was just three-years-old when she began starring in commercials. She made her television debut on Nickelodeon's The Adventures of Pete & Pete, in which she starred from 1994 to 1996.
Over the course of her career, she earned a Young Artists Award for her role in CBS' Meego, a Daytime Emmy Award as the host of Discovery Kids' Truth or Scare, and was nominated for the Saturn Award three times,
She most recently starred in the Tubi true crime series Meet, Marry, Murder in 2021.
