On October 11, 2023, Sarah Michelle Gellar paid tribute to her late co-star Michelle Trachtenberg on what would have been Trachtenberg’s 40th birthday. Gellar, known for her role as Buffy in the iconic series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, shared an emotional message on Instagram, reflecting on their long-standing friendship that began when they both starred in All My Children in the early 1990s.
In her heartfelt post, Gellar reminisced about the years they shared, stating, “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.” Accompanying her tribute were nostalgic clips from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, capturing their on-screen chemistry.
Remembering Trachtenberg
Gellar expressed her sorrow, saying, “I can’t imagine what 40 would have been like. This I know… it would be filled with love. Happy birthday @michelletrachtenberg.” The post was set to the poignant song “See You Again” by Charlie Puth and Wiz Khalifa, which further underscored the emotional weight of the tribute.
Michelle Trachtenberg passed away in February at the age of 39. Her family confirmed the news, requesting privacy during their time of grief. The cause of death was later determined to be complications from diabetes mellitus. Trachtenberg is survived by her parents, a sister, and her boyfriend, talent agent Jay Cohen.
Following the announcement of her death, Gellar shared her condolences on social media, quoting a line from Buffy: “Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you.” This sentiment echoed the deep bond they had forged over the years.
Future of the Buffy Franchise
Shortly before Trachtenberg’s passing, Gellar had confirmed her involvement in a new reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Discussing the project in an exclusive interview, she described the experience as “incredibly emotionally overwhelming,” noting the familiar yet new territory she was stepping into.
Details about the reboot remain limited, although it has been described as the “next chapter in the Buffyverse” and will feature a new slayer portrayed by Ryan Kiera Armstrong. Gellar will serve as an executive producer and has a recurring role in the series. She emphasized the importance of taking the project “slowly and carefully” to ensure it meets the fans’ expectations.
Gellar also highlighted the theme of found family that was central to the original series, stating, “For me, Buffy was about your found family. I think now more than ever, found family is incredibly important.” With this in mind, it remains to be seen how the new series will honor the legacy of Trachtenberg’s character, Dawn.
As fans and co-stars continue to remember Trachtenberg, Gellar’s tribute serves as a poignant reminder of their shared history and the indelible mark Trachtenberg left on those who knew her.
