On October 11, 2023, Sarah Michelle Gellar shared a heartfelt tribute on social media in honor of her late co-star and friend, Michelle Trachtenberg, who would have celebrated her 40th birthday. Gellar, known for her iconic role as Buffy Summers in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, posted a message on Instagram reflecting on their close relationship that began when they starred together on the soap opera All My Children in the early 1990s.
In her emotional tribute, Gellar reminisced about Trachtenberg’s growth from a young actress into a beloved friend. “When you turned 16, it was hard not to still see you as the little girl I met on All My Children. When you turned 21, I had to teach myself to not see you as the little sister anymore,” she wrote. The post included nostalgic footage of the two from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Gellar concluded her message with, “I can’t imagine what 40 would have been like. This I know… it would be filled with love. Happy birthday @michelletrachtenberg.”
The tribute was accompanied by the song “See You Again” by Charlie Puth and Wiz Khalifa, which further underscored the emotional weight of the moment.
Tragically, Trachtenberg passed away at the age of 39, as confirmed by a representative to Us Weekly in February 2023. The statement included a request for privacy for her family during their time of grief. Trachtenberg is survived by her parents, sister, and boyfriend, talent agent Jay Cohen. Her cause of death was later determined to be complications from diabetes mellitus.
In the wake of Trachtenberg’s death, Gellar expressed her sorrow on social media, quoting a line from her character in Buffy the Vampire Slayer: “Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you.” She continued with a heartfelt reflection on the challenges of living in the world, echoing sentiments from a poignant musical episode of the series.
In a twist of fate, shortly before Trachtenberg’s passing, Gellar had confirmed her involvement in a new reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Speaking exclusively to Us Weekly in August 2023, Gellar described the experience as “incredibly emotionally overwhelming.” She noted that returning to the character was both a new journey and a familiar experience, demonstrating her deep connection to the role that made her a household name.
Details about the reboot remain sparse, but it has been described as the “next chapter in the Buffyverse,” featuring a new slayer portrayed by Ryan Kiera Armstrong. Gellar is set to serve as an executive producer and will appear on screen in a recurring role. She emphasized the importance of getting the project right, stating, “We are doing it slowly and carefully because there’s no point in doing it unless we can do it right.”
As the project progresses, fans are left wondering if it will pay tribute to Trachtenberg‘s character, Dawn, underscoring the lasting impact of both actresses on the show’s legacy. Gellar expressed her belief in the show’s core themes, stating, “Buffy was about your found family. We all need a place where we feel like we can be ourselves and be honored for being ourselves and loved for who we are.”
Through her tribute and ongoing projects, Gellar continues to honor her late friend while keeping the spirit of Buffy the Vampire Slayer alive for a new generation.