EMERGENCY SPECIAL EP: RIP Michelle Trachtenberg

Welcome to an emergency special episode of Leftist Teen Drama in which Maria pays tribute to millennial teen drama icon Michelle Trachtenberg, who sadly passed away at the age of 39 on February 26, 2025. Thanks to Erin Rittweger, Colette Shade, Charlotte Morrill, strideofpride, and Kelly Diaz for contributing such powerful reflections on Michelle’s legacy to this episode. And thanks to Diana Hussein for inspiring me to make this episode to begin with. May we all rewatch our favorite Michelle Trachtenberg screen credit this weekend, whether it’s Harriet the Spy, Ice Princess, a favorite Dawn Summers episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer or a favorite Georgina Sparks episode of Gossip Girl, or even an early appearance on the Adventures of Pete & Pete. Rest In Peace, Michelle Trachtenberg. Leftist Teen Drama is sending all our love and solidarity to Michelle’s friends and family and all that knew her!

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok, bluesky: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com

_

ABOUT US:

MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator, organizer, and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, tenant organizing, and writing and reading (fan)fiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. 

JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, works in the cannabis industry, and loves talking old TV.

“Leftist Teen Drama” alternative logo by Charles O’Leary

Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. 

intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats

All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with.

_

SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE: 

• The New York Times, February 26, 2025, Michelle Trachtenberg, ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘Buffy’ Actress, Dies at 39 by Alex Williams and Michael Levenson
• Forbes, February 26, 2025, Michelle Trachtenberg Dies At 39 by Tim Lammers
• The Guardian, February 27, 2025 Michelle Trachtenberg’s natural talent shone in everything from Harriet the Spy to Buffy by Veronica Esposito
• tweet from Thomas, IATSE member who worked on Gossip Girl
• Jessica Szohr's Instagram post
• Joshua Safran’s thread
• Danny Tamberelli’s Instagram post 
• NBC News, February 27, 2025, Sarah Michelle Gellar mourns Michelle Trachtenberg, her little sister on 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' by Matt Lavietes
• People, February 27, 2025, Blake Lively Remembers Gossip Girl Costar Michelle Trachtenberg's 'Yummy Caramel Lipgloss' and Other 'Sweet Details' by Lindsay Kimble
• US Weekly, February 26, 2025, Rosie O’Donnell Reacts to the Death of ‘Harriet the Spy’ Costar Michelle Trachtenberg: ‘Heartbreaking’ by Daniel Trainor