Sarah Michelle Gellar, best known for her role on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, paid tribute to the passing of her co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, who portrayed her sister Dawn Summers in the iconic series.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Sarah honored Michelle with a quote directly from their hit 1997 series, which ran for seven seasons and a total of 144 episodes.

“‘The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you.’ 💔💔💔🗝️,'” Sarah wrote.

This is a reference to the season finale of the show's fifth season, titled "The Gift."

In the episode, Buffy, portrayed by Sarah, reassures Michelle's Dawn that everything will be okay, explaining that the sacrifice she must make is necessary to save the world.

The actress also included a key emoji, referencing Michelle’s character on the show. Dawn was originally the mystical "key" to unlocking dimensions and was made Buffy’s sister so that the Slayer would protect her.

Sarah also shared photos with Michelle in the post, reminiscing about some of their iconic scenes from the series, moments outside the show, and a throwback photo of Michelle holding her baby.

Aside from the iconic show, the actresses first worked together on the 1993 soap opera All My Children, where Sarah played Kendall Hart and Michelle portrayed Lily Montgomery.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michelle Trachtenberg (@michelletrachtenberg)

Just this past January 2025, Michelle shared a throwback "twinning" photo with Sarah on Instagram.

"Slay all day! Always loved this twinning photo of us! #buffy #dawn 🤪 #sister #womancrushwednesday @sarahmgellar 💙💙💋" the late actress wrote.

Other former co-stars also paid tribute to Michelle on social media, including Gossip Girl stars Ed Westwick and Chace Crawford.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chace Crawford (@chacecrawford)

"Michelle was one of a kind. I remember her coming on set for the first time and just absolutely owning it. She was a force of nature and just so so unapologetically funny and magnetic... remembering those years with a big smile. Just a terrible loss. Love you,” Chace shared.

Podcaster Amanda de Cadenet also shared a heartfelt tribute to the late actress, expressing that she will always remember Michelle as a young, vivacious woman.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amanda de Cadenet (@amandadecadenet)

“What sad news this morning to wake up to. It feels weird and awful to be posting this, but I want to acknowledge your death because I cared about you. I’m grateful we got to connect, especially in the last few months. I will always remember you as the young vivacious woman I met when I took this photo of you … Wishing you a peaceful transition sweet friend and may your spirit finally rest,” she wrote.

In an earlier version of the post, Amanda revealed that she was able to call Michelle via FaceTime while she was in the hospital before, but that part was later omitted in the updated version.

Meanwhile, in a statement provided to Entertainment Weekly by Michelle's Harriet the Spy co-star Rosie O'Donnell, the actress shared her deep love for the late star and wished she could have helped.

"I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped,” Rosie expressed.

Michelle Trachtenberg passed away at the age of 39, with police sources suggesting her death was due to natural causes. Reports say that the actress had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have faced complications. Her mother discovered her unresponsive in her apartment near Columbus Circle in New York City. At this time, no foul play is suspected.

—By Jemuel Tandoc