Blake Lively has shared a heartfelt tribute to her Gossip Girl co-star, Michelle Trachtenberg, following her tragic passing at the age of 39. Taking to her Instagram stories, Lively posted a moving message remembering the actress, who played the unforgettable role of Georgina Sparks, the bad girl who was Serena van der Woodsen’s (Lively’s character) frenemy.
The emotional tribute included a picture of Lively and Trachtenberg from their time on the show, along with a heartfelt caption. Lively fondly recalled their first meeting, saying, “This was the first day I met Michelle. She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%.”
Lively praised Trachtenberg for her passion and commitment to her craft, describing her as someone who “laughed the fullest at someone’s joke” and “faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong.” She also highlighted the actress’s deep care for her work and the community, saying that she was “fiercely loyal to her friends” and “brave for those she loved.”
Lively also remembered small details that made Trachtenberg special, such as her choice of lip gloss. “She didn’t just want to sparkle on camera, she liked creating a nice experience for anyone who was in her orbit, even down to the subtle smell of her lip gloss because she cared about the sweet details,” Lively wrote.
The actress expressed sorrow for the lost connection, reflecting on the passage of time and the unexpected nature of such tragedies. “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,” Lively shared.
She concluded by saying, “The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle. May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.”
Several of their Gossip Girl co-stars also paid tribute to Trachtenberg. Chace Crawford, who portrayed Nate Archibald, expressed his condolences, writing, “Michelle was one of a kind. I remember her coming on set for the first time and just absolutely owning it. She was a force of nature and just so unapologetically funny and magnetic… Just a terrible loss. Love you.”
Michelle Trachtenberg was found “unconscious and unresponsive” by police on Wednesday morning. Sources revealed that she had been struggling with significant health challenges and had been open with her loved ones about the difficulties she was facing.