Did Michelle Trachtenberg receive a liver transplant? Health struggles explored as Harriet The Spy and Ice Princess star dies at 39

Gossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away at the age of 39. She was found dead by her mother Lana Trachtenberg on the morning of February 26, 2025, around 8 a.m. in her New York City apartment, as per ABC News.

Multiple outlets including ABC News reported that she had undergone a liver transplant shortly before her death which may have led to complications. However, the exact cause was not revealed.

According to a report on Page Six, Trachtenberg had been facing health issues and was struggling emotionally and physically. A source reported to People Magazine stating:

“She was really, really sick and open with those in her circle about how much she was struggling.”

The actress was previously spotted with a cane, triggering a volley of concerns for her health. Michelle Trachtenberg later revealed this was due to a broken ankle. At the time, in a post, she captioned a photo saying:

“Dear 2019. My broken ankle can still kick your ass out the door. Cuz in 2020, I’m going to be 100% that b*tch."

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Fans became concerned about Michelle Trachtenberg's health last year

Michelle Trachtenberg first sparked health concerns when she shared a social media post in January last year.

According to a report in E-News, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer actress shared an Instagram post on January 18, 2024, featuring the Spy Kids actress Alexa PenaVega. She captioned the picture,

“These kids….now adults getting our roots/hair done! Love this girl @vegaalexa”

A concerned fan commented:

"Michelle u look sick. R u ok?"

Michelle Trachtenberg responded:

“Explain to me how I look sick.”

She then added that her appearance has changed over the years.

“Did you lose a calendar and not realise I’m not 14. I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment,” she said.

The user then apologized to her and wrote,

“No disrespect my comment was really not to hurt u. I look up to u. It has nothing to do with ur age. I just find that u look pale and sick. Sorry if i offended u it was not my attention.”

Trachtenberg never publicly discussed the health concerns. However, she did formally address the speculations surrounding her appearance. Taking to her Instagram on January 19, 2024, the Ice Princess star wrote,

“I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters.”

A few days later, she again shared a selfie on Instagram and wrote:

“Fun fact. This is my face. Not malnutrition no problems. Why do you have you hate? Get a calendar.”

Some of her followers remained concerned about her health, but she never opened up about any medical conditions. At the same time, others supported her and asked her to ignore the social media discourse.

In her last few posts, the actress remembered her iconic looks from her appearances at special events. She even recalled her debut on the silver screen at the age of 11. In one of her posts dated October 29, 2020, she wrote:

“Happy memory: I tried on the late great Eartha Kitt's wig from Harriet the Spy when we were getting ready for filming that day.”

Michelle Trachtenberg played Harriet Welsch, in the 1996 film Harriet the Spy, which was based on a 1964 novel of the same name. The film also starred Rosie O'Donnell, J. Smith-Cameron, Gregory Smith, and Vanessa Lee Chester in lead roles.