Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Penn Badgley, known for his role in Gossip Girl, has shared his thoughts on the passing of his former co-star, Michelle Trachtenberg. In a recent interview, Badgley reminisced about his fondest memories of Trachtenberg, offering a heartfelt tribute to the late actress and her impact on those who knew her. The actor’s reflections provide a touching glimpse into Trachtenberg’s life and the memories she left behind.
Penn Badgley Shares Touching Memories of Michelle Trachtenberg
Badgley, who shared the screen with Trachtenberg on Gossip Girl, spoke with E! News on Wednesday, April 23, about his cherished recollections of the actress.
“I have said this before, but what I remember about her was she was incredibly quick to laugh,” he remarked. “You know, she was really joyous. Like, we all have our ups and downs, our lights and shadows, but … she had this childlike, joyous laugh. She [was] a really pure heart and it’s surreal.”
The 38-year-old actor added, “I hadn’t seen her in over a decade, so you know, I can’t claim to have known her well. But really surreal. Really saddening.”
Remembering Michelle: Insights from a Former Co-Star
Trachtenberg’s death was confirmed on February 26 after she was discovered unresponsive in her New York apartment.

vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
On April 16, the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner revealed to Us Weekly that the 39-year-old’s death was due to natural causes, specifically complications from diabetes mellitus.
“Michelle’s family knew what the cause of death was likely to be,” a source confided to Us earlier this month. “They were aware of her health issues, so it’s not a surprise.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, diabetes mellitus constitutes a “group of illnesses that affect the body’s ability to utilize blood sugar,” also known as glucose. Glucose serves as the primary fuel source for the brain and a crucial energy provider for the body’s cells.
Michelle Trachtenberg’s Health Struggles Prior to Passing
In March, a source disclosed to Us that Trachtenberg’s health had been declining for some time. The insider confirmed that the Harriet the Spy actress had undergone a liver transplant in the months before her passing.
Tributes from Co-Stars: Remembering Georgina Sparks
Trachtenberg played Georgina Sparks on the CW teen drama Gossip Girl from 2008 to 2012, while Badgley portrayed Dan Humphrey. Following her death, her former co-stars including Blake Lively honored her memory.
“She was electricity,” Lively, 37, posted on Instagram in February. “You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. 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.”