Showbiz

Michelle Trachtenberg had plans for one last Hollywood event before tragic death

Michelle Trachtenberg had plans for one last Hollywood event before tragic death

Michelle Trachtenberg pᴀssed away this week at her home in New York City.

And now it’s been revealed that the Gossip Girl and Harriet The Spy actress, who was 39, had plans to attend an industry event on March 12.

Trachtenberg wast set to appear at a benefit screening of the movie Spyral during the annual SXSW film festival in Austin, Texas. 

She had undergone a liver transplant months before her sudden death. 

Jennifer Hutchins, a Spyral producer, told TMZ that the movie team was aware of Michelle’s health issues and only expected her to attend the event — whether in-person or virtually — if she felt well enough.

In her final credit, Trachtenberg was cast to read excerpts from the diary of Randall White’s late wife Michelle Cody White.

Michelle Trachtenberg pᴀssed away this week at her home in New York City. She was slated to appear at a SXSW event in Austin, Texas on March 12; pictured in 2016

Michelle Trachtenberg pᴀssed away this week at her home in New York City. She was slated to appear at a SXSW event in Austin, Texas on March 12; pictured in 2016

Trachtenberg wast set to appear at a benefit screening of the movie Spyral at the annual film festival; pictured in 2012

Trachtenberg wast set to appear at a benefit screening of the movie Spyral at the annual film festival; pictured in 2012

She recorded the voiceover in 2021, but the documentary didn’t premiere until 2024 due to the covid-19 pandemic, TMZ reported. 

The production team is vying for a public distribution deal in hopes to give the project a wide release.

Read More Michelle Trachtenberg’s boyfriend Jay Cohen, 63, was a ‘huge support’ to her before her shocking death at 39 article image

Cody White suffered from undiagnosed bipolar disorder.  And the SXSW screening will support mental health nonprofits.  

The event will go on as scheduled, but will be tweaked to pay tribute to Trachtenberg in the wake of her untimely death.

Hutchins told the outlet that Michelle was ‘one of the sweetest, most gentle human beings I’ve ever had the pleasure to know.’

She added, ‘I could tell she cared deeply about people and using her voice for the greater good.’

The producer also gave a nod to the actress’ moving performance in Spyral, recalling that her voice work brought people on the set to tears.

She had undergone a liver transplant months before her sudden death

She had undergone a liver transplant months before her sudden death

Jennifer Hutchins, a Spyral producer, told TMZ that the movie team was aware of Michelle's health issues and only expected her to attend the event - whether in-person or virtually - if she felt well enough

Jennifer Hutchins, a Spyral producer, told TMZ that the movie team was aware of Michelle’s health issues and only expected her to attend the event – whether in-person or virtually – if she felt well enough

Former child actor Danny Tamberelli, 43, is one of Michelle’s famous friends who paid tribute to her.

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, the Nickelodeon star — who appeared alongside Trachtenberg on The Adventures of Pete & Pete — shared two throwback pH๏τos of them together.

Recounting their childhood friendship, he wrote, ‘We grew up learning how to make people laugh together. More importantly, we learned to make each other laugh and pull pranks on everyone. 

‘We were doing improv when it was still called playing pretend to get laughs. She was a master of the clothespin game, tagging any and everyone she could. She once got upset when I got my 1st bᴀss on set because I wouldn’t hang out during lunch. She hid the cable so I couldn’t play through the amp. I got the message.’

He remembered, ‘She was a bright light, firecracker and caring person who spent a lot of time and effort advocating for people who needed a louder voice. Michelle was someone to look up to in this business and to the general world at large. She will be missed. All my love, sympathy and compᴀssion to Lana, Irene and the rest of her family and friends.’

Earlier this week a rep for Michelle told DailyMail.com: ‘It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has pᴀssed away. The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time.’

Former child actor Danny Tamberelli is one of Michelle's famous friends who paid tribute to her

Former child actor Danny Tamberelli is one of Michelle’s famous friends who paid tribute to her

Recounting their childhood friendship, Danny wrote, 'We grew up learning how to make people laugh together. More importantly, we learned to make each other laugh and pull pranks on everyone

Recounting their childhood friendship, Danny wrote, ‘We grew up learning how to make people laugh together. More importantly, we learned to make each other laugh and pull pranks on everyone

Police said that foul play is not suspected in her death. Her family has denied an autopsy for religious reasons.

‘On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at approximately 0801 hours, police responded to a 911 call of an aided individual at 1 Columbus Place, within the confines of the Midtown North Precinct,’ police said in a statement.

‘Upon arrival, officers observed a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive. EMS responded to the location and pronounced the victim deceased.

‘Criminality is not suspected. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing.’

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