In a heartfelt tribute, Mara Wilson, best known for her roles in classic films like Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire, has shared her memories of her childhood friend, Michelle Trachtenberg, who tragically passed away at the young age of 39. In a poignant essay for ‘New York’ magazine’s ‘Vulture,’ Wilson describes Trachtenberg as “remarkably intelligent,” “self-possessed,” and surprisingly kind, even after the success of her breakout role in Harriet the Spy.
The two actresses were part of the same child-star circles in the 1990s and even attended the same middle school together. Wilson reminisces about their shared experiences and the bond they formed as they navigated the challenges of fame at such a tender age. Trachtenberg’s untimely death, discovered in her New York City apartment on Feb. 26, has left many shocked and saddened.
Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding Trachtenberg’s passing, her death was ruled ‘undetermined’ after her parents rejected an autopsy. The loss of such a talented and beloved actress has left a void in the entertainment industry and in the hearts of those who knew her. Wilson’s touching tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the impact Trachtenberg had on those around her, both on and off screen.
As fans and colleagues continue to mourn the loss of Michelle Trachtenberg, Mara Wilson’s heartfelt words provide a glimpse into the remarkable person she was. May her memory live on through the cherished moments shared with those who were lucky enough to know her.
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Video “Mara Wilson Pays Tribute to Michelle Trachtenberg, Dead at 39” was uploaded on 03/20/2025 to Youtube Channel Entertainment Tonight
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Miss You Michelle Trachtenberg. Forever Ice Princess 🌈🌈🌈😢😢💔💔
Putting clips in from 2016 this whole report is bogus.
Please don’t wait to show people how much you care or share fond memories with them because it just might be too late. Simple text or call.
omg
Unless the family has something to hide, why refused the autopsy?
Awe, thats sweet that Mara and Michelle were friends ❤!!
Im still so heartbroken over her passing. As a 90s kid I feel like this one really hit our generation hard. I feel like most 90s kids loved and adored her. This one hits different. She was a 90s kid. She was a nick kid. She was our generation 😢 This one really hurts. We will never forget you Michelle. Rest well sweet angel 💔 😢
I listened to The Virgin Suicides score soundtrack at night while I was walking later on the day I heard she died. That music will forever be attached to her beautiful memory now. Particularly “Bathroom Girl” and “Highschool Lover”. We miss you Michelle and we love you too. ❤️😭
I read the title wrong and now I have to calm down…
ET kills me when they use b roll from previous interviews that just happen to "fit" the current video. In this one, it is made even more absurd with Mara's "I was just horrified" clip from 2016 after they talk about the moment she found out about Michelle's passing last month. It is so awkward because she was obviously not talking about her death in 2016…
Rlp
(Funeral march 16 2025 10:00 am after spring break)
(Cemetery of manhattan)
(Guest iggy pop Rosie o Donnell Hugh Laurie sterling knight Leslie Mann Sarah Michelle geller Freddie prinze jr Kristen bell Hillary duff hayden panettiere Joan cusack Matthew Broderick Danny Tamberelli Michael C. Maronna Alison Fanelli Toby Huss the family of Michelle)
reverend-friends family we are here today to mourn the beloved actress Michelle Christine Trachtenberg beloved actress of Harriet the spy dawn summers from Buffy the vampire slayer and Georgina sparks from gossip girls and penny gadget from inspector gadget Michelle was always a loving actress who started in the 90’s as a child actress had her first motion picture in 1996 from Nickelodeon called Harriet the spy then so on Michelle was also known for her role in ice princess as a young figure skater who looked like she had an actual gift of talent from February 26 of this year she passed out in the morning when she woke up with liver problems her mother came into the apartment saw her on the ground and was out cold please let us pray may you all rise and join hands
(Praying bowing heads holding hands)
Reverend-May you all be seated down now god will have a new guest joining him in the clouds above the sky May you take good care of her my lord make sure she makes all the right decisions amen would anyone like to stand up and say a few words about Michelle before the burial
(Rosie o Donell stands up)
Rosie-I have a few words to say about her
(Comes up on the stage with the mic)
Rosie-I knew Michelle in Harriet the spy when I played the nanny/ legal guardian and she played the adventurous spy she was like a daughter to me I use to tell her she was capable of anything she sets her mind to in the movie those words meant something to her she wouldn’t give up on how I’m gonna miss her so much
Reverend-thank you Rosie anyone else
(Sarah Michelle geller raises her hand)
Sarah-I have a few words to say
(Gets on the stage)
Sarah-Michelle was on my show called Buffy the vampire slayer as dawn summer we were like sisters in the show she was always called the mystical key who can transform into a human teenager she was also a fighting machine in the show but now she up there with god and with all those people who were in shows and movies with her like eartha kitt and Matthew Perry
Reverend-thank you Sarah anyone else very well we will begin the burial for those who want to put roses or anything meaningful on the coffin you’re more than welcome to
(Plays Michelle branch song set me free A few men picks up the coffin take it to her grave puts it down on the casket lowering device Rosie puts a magnifying glass on the coffin before lowering it down coffin gets lower down in the hole the coffin’s place down everyone looks down Joan cusack drops the rose on the coffin then they begin to drop dirt on the coffin into burying it)
Rest well beautiful Soul have left so many good memories for lovers and friends but im surprised why the family kept secret im shocked 😔🙏
That was real nice of Mara to say. We'll remember.
they're the 90's legends
As a kid, I had a crush on both Mara and Michelle—they were so adorable to me. Michelle will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I will never forget her. Her light continues to shine through every act of kindness and care in the world. Failing to embody those values only dims her legacy. Let’s honor her by keeping her spirit alive and living by the golden rule.
Damn young