It's been one year since Michelle Trachtenberg's death, and Sarah Michelle Gellar is honoring her onscreen sister.
Trachtenbergdied at 39 on Feb. 27, 2025, from complications related to diabetes. She portrayed Gellar's younger sister, Dawn Summers, onBuffy the Vampire Slayer, which ran for seven seasons from 1997 to 2003. Trachtenberg joined the show during its fifth season in 2000 and remained until its series finale.
"I'm not sure how it's been a year," Gellar wrote in an Instagram post Thursday, on the anniversary of Trachtenberg's death. "I'm one of the lucky ones who has over 30 years of memories with you. From our first day on set together, to less than a year later, when you were already taller than me."
Gellar recalled first working with Trachtenberg onAll My Childrenand watching her "become a star" with her work onHarriet the Spy.
"You were great to my kids," Gellar wrote. "Countless kids bdays you attended even though I'm sure you had somewhere cooler to be."
She added: "But most of all, when I think of you, that smile that took up your entire face and brought so much joy to others is what comes to mind. You may not have been with us long enough, but we will make sure everyone remembers."
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This isn't the first time theCruel Intentionsstar has paid tribute to Trachtenberg. Upon learning that the actor had died, Gellarposted a photoof them onBuffy, alongside a quote fromthe Season 5 finale. Last October, Gellar alsoposted a messagefor Trachtenberg on what would've been her 40th birthday.
"When you turned 16, it was hard not to still see you as the little girl I met on All My Children," Gellar wrote on Instagram. "When you turned 21, I had to teach myself to not see you as the little sister anymore. I can't imagine what 40 would have been like. This I know… it would be filled with love."
While she's deeply beloved byBuffyfans, Trachtenberg's career extended well beyond the supernatural series. In addition to appearing in films likeEurotripand17 Again, Trachtenberg left a lasting impression as the titular, astute child detective inHarriet the Spy. She is also widely celebrated for her portrayal ofGeorgina Sparks, a villainous Upper West Side socialite onGossip Girl.
"[Georgina] was actually my favorite character I've played because she's such an evil b-i-t-c-h, that it was fun," TrachtenbergtoldEntertainment Tonightin 2021.
Trachtenberg also played Casey Carlyle, a studious teen who chooses to pursue her dream of becoming a figure skater, in 2005'sIce Princess. News of Trachtenberg's death sent ripples through the figure skating community on TikTok. Several figure skaters on the video-sharing platform credit Trachtenberg's performance inIce Princessfor inspiring themto pursue a career in the sport.
One year after her death, fans have taken to social media to celebrate Trachtenberg's legacy. Photos throughout Trachtenberg's career are being shared on X, while TikTok users aresharing fan editsthey've created of the late actor.
"1 year ago today we lost the beautiful and talented Michelle Trachtenberg, such a huge loss! She will always be remembered! RIP,"one fan wrote on X, whileanother added, "I've been seeing it all over my timeline today that it's already been 1 year since Michelle Trachtenberg passed away. I'm still shocked she's gone. My 1st rewatch of 'Buffy' Season 5 since then hit different. She was far too young."
