The Gossip Girl cast and fans of the show are still reeling from the heartbreaking news of Michelle Trachtenberg’s passing. The actress, who played Georgina Sparks on the beloved teen drama series, was found dead in her New York City apartment on February 26. She was just 39. On April 16, the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner revealed that her death was natural, caused by complications related to diabetes mellitus. Michelle will be remembered for her iconic role in Gossip Girl as well as her roles in Harriet the Spy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ice Princess, and more. She really raised millennials and zillennials!
Following her tragic death, many of Michelle’s former costars took to social media to share their reactions. Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kim Cattrall, and Kenan Thompson were among those who paid tribute, along with several of her Gossip Girl castmates. Penn Badgely is the latest Gossip Girl cast member to react to Michelle’s passing — he shared an emotional statement with E! News.
Here’s what Penn Badgley had to say about Michelle Trachtenberg’s death.
Penn Badgley Reacts To Gossip Girl Costar Michelle Trachtenberg’s Death
What Penn Badgley Said About Michelle Trachtenberg’s Death
Penn opened up about Michelle’s death while speaking with E! News at the April 23 premiere of You season 5. He shared that her passing was “really surreal, really saddening.” Although Penn hadn’t seen the Ice Princess star in over a decade before she died, he has fond memories of his former costar. “What I remember of her is she was incredibly quick to laugh,” he said. “She was really joyous. We all have our ups and downs, our lights and shadows, but she had this — I mean, she was mature, but she had this childlike, joyous laugh.” Penn added that the actress had a “really pure heart.”
Several of Michelle’s other Gossip Girl costars, including Blake Lively, Ed Westwick, and Chace Crawford, have also shared heartfelt statements since her passing. Shortly after the devastating news came out, Blake shared a throwback photo of her and Michelle on the set of GG and wrote, “She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%.”
Blake gushed more about Michelle, calling her a “kind person, through and through,” “fiercely loyal,” and “distinctly herself.” She reflected, “Time passes. You take for granted that you get the chance to see an old friend. To paraphrase, the real tragedies in life are the ones that blindside you on an idle Tuesday.”
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Chace remembered Michelle with an Instagram tribute featuring photos of him and the Harriet the Spy actress over the years. “She was a force of nature and just so so unapologetically funny and magnetic,” he wrote in his caption. “Remembering those years with a big smile. Just a terrible loss. Love you ❤️.” In a statement to People, Ed shared, “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Michelle but I remember a talented, sharp, funny and warm soul. He added that he was thinking of her and her family.
