"What I remember of her is she was incredibly quick to laugh": Leighton Meester opens up about late "Gossip Girl" co-star, Michelle Trachtenberg

During her cover story with Flaunt Magazine, Leighton Meester finally opened up about her late Gossip Girl former co-star, Michelle Trachtenberg. News of Trachtenberg’s unexpected death made headlines on February 26, 2025. Leighton Meester and Michelle Trachtenberg played the roles of Blair Waldorf and Georgina Sparks, respectively, on the show that aired from 2007 to 2012.

While Leighton Meester did not expand on how close she and Michelle Trachtenberg were on set or outside, she mentioned that her former co-star's death "hit her hard". She spoke about the legacy the show has created, saying it:

"continues—in some ways, even more so than back then—to live on, which is incredible."

Leighton Meester also shared with Flaunt Magazine a fond memory she has of Trachtenberg during their days on the Gossip Girl set. She said:

"What I remember of her is she was incredibly quick to laugh... She was really joyous."

How was Michelle Trachtenberg remembered by Leighton Meester and her colleagues?

During her cover story interview with Flaunt Magazine. Leighton Meester had more to say about Michelle Trachtenberg's passing. She said:

"It’s devastating... She was a wonderful, talented person, and everyone loved her. It’s very, very sad for everyone who knew her."

Here are a few more heartfelt messages from Michelle Trachtenberg's former co-stars and colleagues:

Fellow Gossip Girl star, Blake Lively, said:

"You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed... She laughed the fullest at someone’s joked, she faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself."

Lively also shared a fond memory she had of Michelle, she said that the Ice Princess actress always had "yummy caramel smelling lipgloss". Blake also added:

"...She didn’t just want to sparkle on camera... she liked creating a nice experience for anyone who was in her orbit, even down to the subtle smell of her lipgloss because she cared about the sweet details."

Chace Crawford, who played Nate Archibald on Gossip Girl, also shared a wholesome message on his official Instagram account. He wrote:

"Michelle was one of a kind. I remember her coming on set for the first time and just absolutely owning it. She was a force of nature and just so so unapologetically funny and magnetic.. remembering those years with a big smile. Just a terrible loss. Love you."

Sarah Michelle Gellar, who worked alongside Trachtenberg on the set of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, also shared on her Instagram post:

"Michelle, listen to me... Listen. I love you. I will always love you. The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you."

Eliza Dushku, another Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum, said:

"Sweet soul... So young. So heartbreaking. May you rest in peace, little slayer sis. Holding MT's family + friends in our [hearts]."

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Just as Michelle Trachtenberg has left a lasting impact on Leighton Meester's life, she has also touched the hearts of many of her former co-stars, including Chace Crawford, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Blake Lively, and more. Michelle is remembered not only for her talent as an actress but also for her warm and bubbly personality.

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