Penn Badgley is remembering his Gossip Girl co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, reflecting on her joyful spirit and quick sense of humor following her death earlier this year. The actor, who portrayed Dan Humphrey on the CW drama, shared his memories during the season five premiere event for his Netflix series You.
Speaking to E! News, Badgley described Trachtenberg as someone with a vibrant personality and infectious laugh. “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.”
Badgley admitted that he had not been in contact with Trachtenberg for more than a decade but emphasized the lasting impression she left. “I don’t want to claim to have known her well,” he said, “but I do remember her as having a really pure heart.” He called the news of her death “really surreal” and “really saddening.”
Trachtenberg, who was 39 years old, died in February due to complications related to diabetes mellitus. Her role as Georgina Sparks across all six seasons of Gossip Girl established her as a memorable figure in the show’s ensemble, often stirring chaos in the lives of the main characters.
Several former co-stars shared their tributes following her death. Chace Crawford, who portrayed Nate Archibald, posted a remembrance on Instagram, calling Trachtenberg “a force of nature” and “so, so unapologetically funny and magnetic.” He wrote, “I remember her coming on set for the first time and just absolutely owning it. Remembering those years with a big smile. Just a terrible loss. Love you.”
Blake Lively, who starred as Serena van der Woodsen, also honored Trachtenberg in an Instagram story, describing her as “electricity.” Lively wrote, “You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200 percent. 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.”
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Taylor Momsen, who played Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl, shared a personal tribute. “In shock,” Momsen wrote on Instagram. “When I met this girl 17 years ago I knew we’d be friends… She was smart and sassy, bold and sensitive, funny as f— and filled with fire. She was simply awesome.” Momsen added, “I’ll miss our late-night calls that no one should ever hear but us. She was always in my corner and there to support me whether I was right or wrong. I will miss you every day, my love.”
Trachtenberg had been a recognizable presence on television long before joining Gossip Girl. She starred as the title character in Harriet the Spy and later portrayed Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, showcasing a range that included both drama and comedy. Her portrayal of Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl brought a mix of mischief and depth to the show, making her one of the most memorable recurring characters.
