Michelle Trachtenberg’s Most Honest Quotes About the Highs and Lows of Fame in Hollywood

Michelle Trachtenberg’s experience in Hollywood wasn’t always filled with glitz and glamour.

Ever since she rose to fame as a child star in the 1996 movie Harriet the Spy, Trachtenberg had the opportunity to work on many projects including big TV shows like Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

While the actress may have experienced the joys of red carpets and premieres, she was also open about the pitfalls of fame.

Before her death was confirmed on February 26, 2025, Trachtenberg experienced social media trolls. At one point, she felt compelled to respond to users’ comments questioning her appearance in recent social media posts.

“I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance,” she wrote via Instagram in January 2024. “I have never had plastic surgery. I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters.”

Long before her death at the age of 39, Trachtenberg found herself reflecting on fame in Hollywood and sharing the ups and downs of growing up in the spotlight. Keep reading to see what she had to say about her public life:

Michelle Trachtenberg Was Bullied in School

After finding fame at a young age thanks to the 1996 film Harriet the Spy, Trachtenberg admitted that kids weren’t always kind in the classroom.

“Back in my day, all the kids had to write a bulls— Valentine’s Day card to everyone in the class,” she wrote via Instagram in February 2020 when recalling her holiday memories. “I never got one on purpose, everyone got a valentine card. No one ever gave me one and they thought I didn’t need the attention. The kids and staff all laughed and thought everyone else should get one, being an actress since I was 3, apparently I didn’t need one. No one gave a thought I was helping my family pay bills. I was just the girl on the tv, it was just that their kid wasn’t on tv.”

Trachtenberg said she still has “scars from being thrown down stairs and slammed into lockers head first.”

“I write this to every child, teen, person out there who is bullied,” she continued. “You are something. Do not put your value in someone else. Not letting them win, is your win.”

Trusting in Rosie O’Donnell

While filming Harriet the Spy, Trachtenberg found great comfort in her costar Rosie O’Donnell.

“I turned 10 years old on the first day of principal photography of Harriet the Spy. Rosie was my biggest supporter,” she told Entertainment Tonight in October 2021. “There was a lot required of me. I’m extremely grateful for the experience.”

Long after filming wrapped, the pair remained in touch with Trachtenberg singing her praises over the years.

“[Rosie] protected me so much,” she told ET. “I held her first baby, Parker, on set on Harriet.”

Michelle Trachtenberg’s Experience on ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ 

Between 2000 and 2003, Trachtenberg had the opportunity to play Dawn Summers — Buffy’s sister — on the hit series.

After the show wrapped, series creator Joss Whedon faced allegations of creating a hostile and toxic work environment. (He has since denied toxic behavior allegations made by Buffy and Angel cast members.)

“While I am proud to have my name associated with Buffy Summers, I don’t want to be forever associated with the name Joss Whedon,” Sarah Michelle Gellar wrote via Instagram in February 2021. “I stand with all survivors of abuse and am proud of them for speaking out.”

After seeing Gellar’s post, Trachtenberg decided to share her costar’s message and thank her for speaking out.

“I am brave enough now as a 35 year old woman….To repost this. Because. This must. Be known. As a teenager. With his not appropriate behavior….very. Not. Appropriate. So now. People know,” she wrote via Instagram that same month. “The last. Comment I will make on this. Was. There was a rule. Saying. He’s not allowed in a room alone with Michelle again.” (Whedon has never publicly commented on Trachtenberg’s allegation.)

Making Memories With the Stars

Up until her death, Trachtenberg was active on social media, sharing selfies and posting on Throwback Thursday or Flashback Friday.

In April 2023, the actress shared an unforgettable memory from the red carpet premiere of Inspector Gadget.

“Long hair don’t care! 13 year old me at the Inspector Gadget premiere with the awesome Matthew Broderick!!” she wrote via Instagram. “I turned 13 on the set of this movie. A wonderful experience. I still have the @betseyjohnson dress I’m wearing in my memory closet. 💖💚 @sarahjessicaparker #flashbackfriday.”

Another throwback memory was posted in October 2022 when Trachtenberg had the opportunity to try on Eartha Kitt’s wig from Harriet the Spy.

“I love hearing your comments how Harriet helped you go through hard times, or how Harriet inspired you to be a writer because she was so strong and stood up to bullies!” Trachtenberg wrote via Instagram. “For everyone going through covid digital school right now, learn, laugh at the bullies, and read! Books are real 📓🔎💛 #throwback.”