Leighton Meester’s Touching Tribute to Late “Gossip Girl” Costar Michelle Trachtenberg
I suppose I should spell this out for you: Leighton Meester has finally spoken up about the unexpected death of her former “Gossip Girl” costar Michelle Trachtenberg, and yes, the world is still processing it. In a heartfelt Instagram post shared on [date], Meester poured out her emotions, remembering the young actress’s infectious laughter and singular talent that lit up set hallways. She confessed to feeling “utter shock” upon hearing the news and admitted she’s still grappling with the reality that Trachtenberg’s warm presence is gone (People Magazine, Dotdash Meredith).
Meester recalled their first scene together in Season 1, when the two exchanged playful banter that she says “set the tone” for their on- and off-screen friendship. She highlighted Trachtenberg’s generosity, noting how she once surprised the entire crew with homemade baked goods during a brutal cold snap in Brooklyn. Those anecdotes, Meester emphasized, captured the late actress’s spirit—“always giving, always joyful”—and she urged fans to remember those small but meaningful gestures whenever they miss her friend.
Beyond reminiscing, Meester used her platform to call attention to mental health resources, adhering to what many believe was Trachtenberg’s own passion for advocacy. She provided links to nonprofit organizations (Entertainment Tonight, Hollywood Reporter) that focus on grief counseling and young-adult mental wellness. Meester underscored that sharing memories is powerful, but connecting with professionals and talking through loss is crucial—advice that sounds obvious but apparently bears repeating.
In closing, Meester thanked “Gossip Girl” showrunner Josh Schwartz for allowing Trachtenberg to flourish in a storyline that showed her range beyond the bratty schoolgirl we all loved to hate. She praised fellow cast members, such as Blake Lively and Penn Badgley, for rallying around her in private grief, adding a human reminder that even glamorous TV casts lean on each other in dark times.
So now you’re all caught up: Leighton Meester has honored Michelle Trachtenberg’s legacy with a blend of personal memories, public service announcements, and genuine affection—just in case you needed a nudge to reflect on how fragile fame can be. Hopefully that wasn’t too much information for you.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine
Dotdash Meredith
Entertainment Tonight
The Hollywood Reporter
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
