Rosie O’Donnell is grieving the death of former co-star Michelle Trachtenberg and opening up about how the late actor “struggled” over the last few years.
Trachtenberg, known for starring in “Gossip Girl” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” wasfound dead on Feb. 26 at the age of 39. Police confirmed her death after finding the actor unconscious and unresponsive in a New York City apartment. A representative also confirmed the actor’s death in a statement.
“The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time,” Trachtenberg’s representative said.
Many of Trachtenberg’s co-stars have paid tribute following reports of her death, including Rosie O’Donnell.
Trachtenberg started acting as a child, and one of her first leading roles was in the 1996 family film “Harriet the Spy.” She beat out over 350 preteens who also auditioned for the part of the precocious student.
In the flick, Trachtenberg portrayed the titular character, an observant sixth grader with a love for writing and spying. O’Donnell starred alongside Trachtenberg as Harriet’s nanny.
On Feb. 26. O’Donnell shared a statement about Trachtenberg’s sudden death.
“Heartbreaking,” she said. “I loved her very much.”
“She struggled the last few years,” O’Donnell added. “I wish I could have helped.”
In 2021, Trachtenberg recalled being on set with O’Donnell during an interview with “Entertainment Tonight” in honor of the 25th anniversary of the film.
She became emotional as she shared, “I turned 10 years old on the first day of principal photography of ‘Harriet the Spy.’”
The interview included footage of Trachtenberg and O’Donnell together in between takes and joking around.
“Rosie was my biggest supporter,” she continued at the time. “There was a lot required of me. I’m extremely grateful for the experience.”
“She protected me so much,” Trachtenberg added about O’Donnell.
Trachtenberg repeatedly expressed how thankful she was to play Harriet. She said over the years she had enjoyed reading positive comments on social media from fans about how the film inspired them.