Sarah Michelle Gellar Shares Heartfelt Birthday Tribute to Late Buffy Co Star Michelle Trachtenberg
Sarah Michelle Gellar posted a heartfelt birthday tribute for her departed Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star, Michelle Trachtenberg.
“At 16, it was difficult not to view you as the young girl I first encountered on All My Children. By the time you reached 21, I had to make myself stop seeing you as my younger sibling,” Gellar, 48, penned on Instagram on Saturday, October 11, accompanying the post with nostalgic Buffy clips featuring both performers. “I can only wonder what turning 40 would have entailed.”
She added, “One thing I am certain of… it would have been overflowing with affection. Wishing a happy birthday to @michelletrachtenberg.”
Gellar accompanied her tribute with the equally poignant song, “See You Again,” by Charlie Puth and Wiz Khalifa.
Sarah Michelle Gellar Focusing on 'Mental Well-being' Following Trachtenberg's Passing
Gellar and Trachtenberg initially connected during their shared time on All My Children in the early 1990s. Subsequently, they reconnected while filming Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Gellar took on the lead role of Buffy, whereas Trachtenberg played Buffy's younger sibling and mystical artifact, Dawn.
Us Weekly verified in February that Trachtenberg had passed away at 39 years old.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg,” a representative for the former Gossip Girl actress informed Us in a statement then. “Her family asks for privacy during this time of grief. No additional information is available currently.”
Trachtenberg is survived by her mother and father, her sibling, and her partner, talent manager Jay Cohen. Her passing was subsequently determined to be due to complications arising from diabetes mellitus.
Soon after the announcement of Trachtenberg’s demise, Gellar was among the celebrities who extended their sympathies.
“’Michelle, hear me. Hear. I adore you. I will always adore you,’” Gellar posted on Instagram that month, citing one of Buffy’s dialogues before recalling Trachtenberg’s words from the musical installment. “The most challenging aspect of this existence is to simply be in it. I will show courage. I will persist… for your sake.’”
Mere weeks prior to Trachtenberg’s passing, Gellar had announced her participation in an upcoming Buffy revival.
“It feels immensely emotionally impactful,” Gellar exclusively shared with Us Weekly in August regarding her reprisal of the adolescent character. “It's a position I hadn't expected to be in. Although it was a fresh experience, it also felt remarkably known, and I consider myself quite fortunate.”
Bianca Lawson from Buffy Discusses Michelle Trachtenberg’s ‘Profoundly Sorrowful’ Demise
Although limited information about the forthcoming Buffy has been disclosed, a brief summary has characterized the endeavor as the “next installment in the Buffyverse” featuring a new slayer portrayed by Ryan Kiera Armstrong. Gellar, personally, is slated to act as an executive producer and will appear in a recurring capacity.
“My consistent message to everyone is this: we are approaching it deliberately and meticulously, as there’s no merit in proceeding unless we can execute it flawlessly,” she informed Us. “Therefore, we intend to ensure all elements are perfectly aligned before it becomes something we are prepared to unveil.”
Gellar additionally hinted that the reboot “will maintain the fundamental essence of the series.”
“In my view, Buffy represented the concept of chosen family,” Gellar elaborated. “I believe that today, more than ever, chosen family holds immense significance. Everyone requires a space where they can be authentic, be respected for their true selves, and be cherished for who they are. And for me — that is the core message.”
At present, it remains uncertain if the forthcoming series will honor Trachtenberg’s character, Dawn.
