All My Children Alum Michelle Trachtenberg Dies At 39
Michelle Trachtenberg, who originated the role of Lily Benton Montgomery on All My Children, has passed away at the age of 39. According to police sources who spoke to ABC News, the actress was discovered dead in her apartment in New York City in the early morning of Wednesday, February 26 by her mother.
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ABC News also learned from a source that Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant and “may have been experiencing complications,” so she is likely to have died from natural causes. Still, an autopsy will be conducted by the New York City medical examiner.
A New York City native, Trachtenberg was born on October 11, 1985. She was only three years old when she got her start as a child actor by starring in commercials. At the age of 8, she landed her AMC role, which she played from 1993-96. Lily was the autistic daughter of Laurel Bannon, who was adopted by her stepfather, Jackson Montgomery, and was ultimately recast with Leven Rambin.
While playing Lily, Trachtenberg also starred on the Nickolodeon sitcom The Adventures of Pete & Pete. She continued to work steadily after exiting the world of Pine Valley, starring in motion pictures like Harriet the Spy and Inspector Gadget before reuniting with former AMC co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar (ex-Kendall Hart) in the cult hit sci-fi series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, where she played Buffy’s younger sister, Dawn Summers, from 2000-03, appearing in 33 episodes. Other notable credits include the Zac Efron/Matthew Perry comedy 17 Again, a recurring role on the critically acclaimed HBO drama Six Feet Under, and a 28-episode gig on Gossip Girl, where she played the Georgina Sparks, a manipulative socialite and nemesis of Blake Lively’s character, Serena van der Woodsen.
On her Instagram Stories, Melissa Ordway (Abby, Young and Restless) wrote, “I was lucky enough to work with Michelle on 17 Again. She was lovely and wonderful and talented. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”
The actress was active on social media just a week ago, posting a series of throwback photos. In her Instagram bio, she wrote, “This is all make believe, but it’s my job to make them believe. Also I love Unicorns.”
Together Again: After overlapping on AMC, Trachtenberg and Sarah Michelle Gellar starred together on Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
Soap Opera Digest sends its heartfelt condolences to Trachtenberg’s family, friends and loved ones.
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