Leighton Meester has opened up about the emotional toll of losing Michelle Trachtenberg, her former Gossip Girl castmate. In a recent interview, Meester spoke about Trachtenberg’s unexpected death and how it affected her. The two actresses appeared together on the popular teen drama.
Leighton Meester reacts to Michelle Trachtenberg’s death
Leighton Meester has spoken publicly for the first time about the death of her Gossip Girl co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, calling the loss “devastating.” In a recent conversation with Flaunt, Meester, 39, reflected on the personal impact of Trachtenberg’s passing. She expressed how difficult it was to come to terms with Trachtenberg’s death, especially knowing they were the same age.
Meester said, “She was a wonderful, talented person, and everyone loved her. It’s very, very sad for everyone who knew her.” The actress further added, “Now, I can see that [the show’s legacy] continues — in some ways, even more so than back then — to live on, which is incredible.”
Trachtenberg was best known for her role as Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl. She was found unresponsive on February 26 in her NYC apartment. The official cause of death was confirmed by the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner as complications from diabetes mellitus, with the manner of death ruled natural.
ABC News also reported that the Sister Cities star had recently undergone a liver transplant, which might have led to further health complications. According to PEOPLE, sources had previously shared that she had been struggling both physically and emotionally. However, Trachtenberg had not shared any details publicly.
In the wake of her death, several of her Gossip Girl co-stars, including Penn Badgley, Blake Lively, and Chace Crawford, have shared their tributes. Speaking to E! News, Badgley described her as “really joyous.” He added, “I mean, she was mature, but she had this childlike, joyous laugh.”
Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on ComingSoon.
