Penn Badgley is opening up for the first time about the heartbreaking loss of his former Gossip Girl co-star, Michelle Trachtenberg, who passed away earlier this year at just 39 years old.
While attending the premiere of the fifth and final season of You in New York City on Wednesday (April 23), Penn spoke candidly with E! News about Michelle’s passing—and the lasting impression she left on him during their time working together.
“What I remember of her is she was incredibly quick to laugh,” Penn shared. “She was really joyous. We all have our ups and downs, our lights and shadows, but she had this—I mean, she was mature, but she had this childlike, joyous laugh.”
Michelle, who played the unforgettable Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl, joined the series in 2008 and became a fan-favorite for her chaotic, unpredictable energy. Though her screen time was intermittent, her character always left a mark—and apparently, so did Michelle herself.
Penn, who starred as Dan Humphrey throughout the entire run of Gossip Girl, admitted that he and Michelle hadn’t crossed paths in a long time.
“I hadn’t seen her in over a decade,” he revealed. “But she had a really pure heart.”
He paused for a moment before continuing, clearly still processing the loss. “It’s surreal,” he said. “Really surreal, really saddening.”
Michelle’s death was confirmed back in February, sending shockwaves through the entertainment world. At the time, no cause of death was immediately disclosed, and tributes from fans and co-stars began pouring in. The actress had grown up in front of the camera, with breakout roles in Harriet the Spy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and EuroTrip, among others. She brought a distinct charm to every role she took on, and her fans remained fiercely loyal over the years.
Though she had kept a relatively low profile in recent years, Michelle remained active on social media and engaged with fans. News of her death came as a gut-punch to many who had grown up watching her on screen.
Penn’s thoughtful tribute is just one of many heartfelt messages that have come from Michelle’s peers, but his words seem to echo the same sentiment: she brought light and laughter wherever she went.
Even though their connection was largely built on a TV set over a decade ago, it’s clear Michelle left a lasting impression.
