Michelle Trachtenberg slammed a fan’s comments about her appearance and concern for her health one year before her death at age 39.

Michelle Trachtenberg Dead at 39: Rosie O’Donnell, Kim Cattrall & More Pay Tribute

Michelle Trachtenberg wasn’t afraid to defend herself.

One year before her tragic death at age 39, the Gossip Girl alum spoke out in response to a fan who said she looked “sick” as she posed for a selfie alongside Alexa PenaVega in January 2024.

“Explain to me how I look sick,” the actress wrote in the comment section of the Instagram post at the time. “Did you lose a calendar and not realize I’m not 14. I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment.”

Two days later, Michelle posted another selfie on the platform, further shutting down speculation about her appearance.

“Fun fact. This is my face. Not malnutrition no problems,” she wrote alongside the pic. “Why do you have [to] hate? Get a calendar.”

While Michelle did not publicly disclose any details about her health before her body was discovered in her New York City apartment on Feb. 26, police sources said she underwent a liver transplant in the months before her passing, according to multiple reports.

Michelle Trachtenberg Dead at 39: Look Back at Her Career From Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Gossip Girl

However, the New York Police Department confirmed to E! News that no foul play was suspected in her death and the investigation is ongoing.

Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for The Art of Elysium

Following news of Michelle’s passing, friends and colleagues including Rosie O’Donnell, Kim Cattrall and Kenan Thompson honored the late actress—who, in addition to Gossip Girl, starred in Harriet the Spy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing,” Alyson Hannigan wrote on Instagram alongside a series of photos with her former Buffy costar. “She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends.”

Kristin Chenoweth also shared a throwback photo with the actress as she recalled their relationship.

“One of the most precious people I’ve ever known,” Kristin wrote in a post on her Instagram Stories. “I will never forget you, Michelle.”

Keep reading to see more stars’ tributes to Michelle.

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Alyson Hannigan

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing,” the Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum wrote on Instagram. “She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends.”

Instagram

Chace Crawford

“Michelle was one of a kind,” the Gossip Girl alum wrote on Instagram. “I remember her coming on set for the first time and just absolutely owning it. She was a force of nature and just so so unapologetically funny and magnetic.. remembering those years with a big smile. Just a terrible loss. Love you.”

Instagram/James Marsters

James Marsters

“My heart is heavy today,” the Buffy alum wrote on Instagram. “We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her.”

James continued, “My heart goes out to her family who are good people, and are suffering the greatest loss anyone could bear. I hope everyone can give them space to heal in this most difficult time. Godspeed Michelle. You are missed.”

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Kate Beckinsale

“What a terrible show and loss, my god,” the Underworld actress wrote on Instagram Story. “My heart aches for your mama. Fly safe little bird.”

Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Blake Lively

“She was electricity,” the Gossip Girl alum wrote on Instagram Story. “You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%. She laughed the fullest at someone’s joked, 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.”

Blake also remembered Michelle’s ” yummy caramel smelling lipgloss,” noting that the late star wore it because “she liked creating a nice experience for anyone who was in her orbit.”

“The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle,” she added. “May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.”

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Leslie Mann

The 17 Again actress wrote of her onscreen daughter, “I will miss you, Michelle.”

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Christian Siriano

“My love Michelle you will be forever loved and missed by so many,” the fashion designer shared on Instagram Story, “and I will never forget all of our memories together for the rest of my life.”

Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images

Kim Cattrall

The Sex and the City alum wrote of her Ice Princess costar, “Rest in peace sweet Michelle.”

Instagram/Clare Kramer

Clare Kramer

“Peace out little one,” Clare—who played Glory on Buffy—wrote on Instagram. “A talented & kind soul gone way too soon! You’re free to fly now.”

Kayla Oaddams/WireImage

Kenan Thompson

The Nickelodeon star wrote of his fellow alum, “Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! Check on your people!!!”

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Rosie O’Donnell

Michelle’s Harriet the Spy costar told Us Weekly, “Heartbreaking. I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”

Albert L. Ortega/WireImage

Emma Caulfield

“I’m so sorry your bright light died so young,” the actress—who played Anya on Buffy—wrote of her former costar. “Our Buffy family lost a little sister today… Rest in peace lovely Mish Mish. You were loved.”

Instagram

Matt McGorry

“She had a fierceness but also a deep caring and softness with those she trusted,” the Orange Is the New Black actor wrote on Instagram. “She always stood up for her friends, was incredibly talented and had the darkest sense of humor. She had the spirit of a true New Yorker.”

Though the two were “really close but lost touch for quite a while,” Matt said he was “always sure that we’d cross paths again.”

“I was looking forward to meeting as the people we’d grown to become,” he added. “You will be missed by so many. Love you, Michelle.”

VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images

Kristin Chenoweth

“One of the most precious people I’ve ever know,” the Broadway star wrote on Instagram Story. “I will never forget you, Michelle.”

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Shawn Ashmore

Michelle’s ex-boyfriend, whom she dated between 2004 and 2006, penned a tribute on social media.

“Incredibly sad to hear about Michelle’s passing,” he wrote. “She was an incredible person and I will always remember the years we spent together fondly. She was loving, quirky and would never pass up a law and order SVU marathon:)”

He added, “My condolences to her mother Lana and sister Irene! This is an incredible loss!”

Instagram/Kimberly J. Brown

Kimberly J. Brown

“We met on the kid actor audition circuit and had so many fun, unique adventures both in and out of the Biz together, even coming out to act in LA around the same time as young teens,” the Halloweentown alum wrote on Instagram. “As older adults we didn’t see eachother as often but our bond over those early days was always there-as was her outgoing, feisty, funny personality and deep love of acting.”

She added, “Sending so much love to her mom Lana and her sister Irene whom she loved so much.I love you, Michelle. Rest easy.”

Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images

Melissa Joan Hart

“I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg,” Melissa wrote on Instagram, alognside a throwback clip from Clarissa Explains It All. “So young, so talented and so sweet!”

She added of the clip, “I think this was about 1992 and the episode was an idea I had about babysitting a total nightmare. But Michelle was nothing like her character and even this young, we got along wonderfully.”

Victoria Sirakova/Getty Images

Josh Schwartz & Stephanie Savage

“We are deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing,” the Gossip Girl creators and showrunners shared with NBC News. “Michelle was so funny, kind, and talented. Her portrayal of Georgina Sparks was an iconic fan favorite, and grew from a one season villain to a beloved character who returned over the course of six seasons.”

The pair continued, “She was a delight to have on set and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family.”

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Mara Wilson

“My heart is breaking for my childhood friend,” the Matilda alum wrote on Instagram Story . “Your memory will be a blessing, Michelle.”

VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images

Melissa Gilbert

“Oh Michy,” Melissa wrote on Instagram in tribute to her A Holiday for Love costar. “And we lived so close to one another…..my heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so… @michelletrachtenberg #ripsweetgirl”

Jamie McCarthy/WireImage

Ed Westwick

“So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg,” the Gossip Girl alum wrote on his Feb. 25 Instagram Story. “Sending prayers.”

He closed his message with the praying hands and white heart emojis.

Ralph Bavaro/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

David Boreanaz

“So very sad…” Michelle’s Buffy The Vampire Slayer costar wrote on social media of her passing. “Horrible News. RIP and prayers to her and her family.”

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Kevin Zegers

The Gossip Girl alum—who played Damien Dalgaard in the teen drama—described Michelle’s passing a “loss.”

“Michelle was tough and a force,” he added in his Instagram post. “Just a kid, so sad.”

Albert L. Ortega/WireImage

J. August Richards

The Angel alum offered his support to those closest to the actress, writing on Instgram, “My heart goes out to her family and loved ones. What a beautiful spirit who left an amazing legacy… Rest In Peace, dear one.”

Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

Beanie Feldstein

“I’m so beyond heartbroken,” the Booksmart star wrote on Instagram Story, adding that Michelle’s performance as the titular kid detective in Harriet the Spy “raised all of us little girls wanted to BE something.”

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Chris Colfer

“Michelle was the absolute sweetest and one of the most supportive people I knew,” the Glee alum wrote on Instagram. “I’m so lucky I got to be her friend.”

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Iris Apatow

“I watched her through every stage of my life,” the actress, who is the daughter of Michelle’s 17 Again costar Leslie Mann, wrote on Instagram Story. “She brought me a lot of joy when things were hard—I’m so heartbroken. Rest in peace.”