Sarah Michelle Gellar paid heartfelt tribute to her late co-star Michelle Trachtenberg on what would have been Trachtenberg’s 40th birthday. The singer/actress’s throwback post reminds fans of the special history that they share. It especially highlights all the pet projects she and Whedon cooked up while working together on the groundbreaking television series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Tragically, Trachtenberg died earlier this year at the untimely age of 39. The New York City chief medical examiner ruled that his death was due to complications of diabetes.
In memory Gellar honored the late actor with a touching, smiling photo of the two stars from childhood. This picture reminds us of the wonderful times they had together. She accompanied the image with touching words. She admitted she found it hard to imagine what life would have been like for Trachtenberg at 40.
Michelle, listen to me. When you turned 21, I had to learn to stop envisioning you as the little sister, Gellar wrote. She added, When you turned 16, it was difficult not to continue viewing you as the little girl I first encountered on All My Children. I don’t know what 40 would have felt like, can’t even begin to imagine. This I know… it would be brimming with love. Happy birthday @michelletrachtenberg.
The emotional tribute included Charlie Puth and Wiz Khalifa’s Fast and the Furious-inspired song “See You Again.” This decision deepened the intense emotions of grief and commemoration.
Michelle Trachtenberg, known for roles in both “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” was recently discovered dead from an apparent overdose. Authorities found her in her New York City home, near Columbus Circle. Friends and fans were blindsided by her unexpected death. They hurried to retell memories or moments that made them smile, celebrating her extraordinary artistry and effervescent personality.
In her post, Gellar echoed one of Buffy’s most memorable lines, reflecting a deep connection to her character’s journey and their real-life friendship. “I will live… for you,” she penned, evoking love and survival in a way that only she—and a gut-wrenching year or two—could inspire.
Visually, the two actresses developed thousands of iconic memories throughout their careers. Most famously, they walked the red carpet together at the Third Annual Teen Choice Awards in August 2001, and attended the premiere of “The Grudge” in Los Angeles in October 2004. Their companionship reached far past the camera, defined by love and admiration for one another until the end of their lives.
