Michelle Trachtenberg was one of the names and faces that shaped children’s and youth productions in the late 90s and the beginning of the new millennium, both in cinema and television. The news of her death at 39 years old is surprising and painful. To celebrate her memory, here’s a short but concise list of some films and series that Michelle Trachtenberg starred in, making her an icon among younger generations.
## ICE Princess
ICE Princess is perhaps the most famous production that Michelle Trachtenberg starred in. The 2005 film tells the story of a student who discovers skating as her true passion in life. Michelle Trachtenberg plays Casey, a girl with a brilliant future in science, which relates to her mother’s wishes for her to attend Harvard and study physics. While studying, Casey discovers that skating is more than a sport – it’s a science, and hence her new and old dreams. ICE Princess is available on Disney+.
## Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl is one of the most popular and iconic productions of the new millennium. While we often talk about the characters of Serena and Blair as the most important, the reality is that they were built from the rest. And one of the most important is Georgina Sparks, played by Michelle Trachtenberg. Georgina Sparks was one of Serena’s best friends, but when Serena returns to New York City, she has changed, and Georgina discovers that they no longer have much in common, making her a kind of enemy. Georgina was a character with many layers, presenting problems of addiction and a sense of belonging. Gossip Girl is available on Netflix.
## 17 Again
17 Again was one of those comedies that were a success thanks, in part, to the presence of Zac Efron and Matthew Perry. The film follows a boring father who, despite having everything, feels frustrated for not fulfilling his dreams of playing professional basketball. His first daughter is Maggie, played by Trachtenberg, who makes a strange but funny tour with her father when he returns to high school with his body from the past. 17 Again is available on Max.
## Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Buffy The Vampire Slayer is a classic starring Sarah Michelle Gellar. As the name implies, she plays a woman who fights against evil in its different forms while building a “normal” life. Michelle Trachtenberg appeared in a few seasons to play Dawn Summers, Buffy’s younger sister, who at first seems to have no special qualities like her sister but is soon discovered to be more important than it seems to overcome or see evil triumph. Buffy The Vampire Slayer is available on Disney+.
## Inspector Gadget
No matter how terrible the rating of a film is on cinephile platforms, sometimes the general approval of the audience can be on the floor, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a classic. And that’s the case with Inspector Gadget from 1999. It’s not a masterpiece, but a great comedy starring Matthew Broderick, Rupert Everett, Joly Fisher, and Michelle Trachtenberg. Trachtenberg plays Penny, the protagonist’s niece, who will help him solve some mysteries. Inspector Gadget is available on Disney+.
