Michelle Trachtenberg's Cause of Death Ruled as "Undetermined"
Danny Tamberelli is looking back at the adventures he shared with Michelle Trachtenberg.
The Nickelodeon alum posted a tribute to the actress, who starred with him on the cable network's series The Adventures of Pete & Pete in the '90s, Feb. 26 after her shocking death at age 39.
"We grew up learning how to make people laugh together," Tamberelli wrote on his Instagram, alongside throwback images of the two. "More importantly, we learned to make each other laugh and pull pranks on everyone. We were doing improv when it was still called playing pretend to get laughs."
The 43-year-old said Trachtenberg was "a master of the clothespin game, tagging any and everyone she could."
He wrote, "She once got upset when I got my 1st bass on set because I wouldn't hang out during lunch. She hid the cable so I couldn’t play through the amp. I got the message."
Tamberelli also called Trachtenberg "a bright light, firecracker and caring person who spent a lot of time and effort advocating for people who needed a louder voice."
He continued, "Michelle was someone to look up to in this business and to the general world at large. She will be missed."
Referring to the actress' mom and sister, Tamberelli wrote, "All my love, sympathy and compassion to Lana, Irene and the rest of her family and friends."
Duffy-Marie Arnoult / WireImage for ThinkFilm / JB Lacroix / WireImage
Trachtenberg was about 6 years old when she began filming The Adventures of Pete & Pete, which aired between 1992 and 1996 on Nickelodeon. Tamberelli played "Little" Pete Wrigley and the actress portrayed his best friend Nona. Home Alone star Michael Maronna played Pete's older brother with the same name, "Big" Pete Wrigley.
While the 47-year-old did not release a personal statement in response to Trachtenberg's death, Tamberelli's tribute to their late costar was shared on the Instagram page of the actors' podcast The Adventures of Danny and Mike.
The actress, who had recently undergone a liver transplant, was found dead in her New York City home Feb. 26. The Gossip Girl alum's cause of death has been ruled as "undetermined," the city's Medical Examiner's Office confirmed to E! News Feb. 27. Police have said there is no suspicion of foul play or criminality, and the actress' family has objected to an autopsy, multiple reports said.
Read on for more tributes to Trachtenberg from celebs...
Instagram / James Van Der Beek
James Van Der Beek
The Dawson's Creek alum, who worked with the actress on the series Mercy, shared a throwback video of her rapping Nicki Minaj's verses on Robin Thicke's 2009 song "Shakin' It for Daddy" on a car ride.
James called Michelle "a wild force of nature: raw talent that became white hot when focused (which she could do at will in .01 seconds), funny, acerbic."
He said he loved rapping at the same time as her because the "ride home was never boring."
"One night I convinced her to let me record a typical ride through the Holland Tunnel to share on the early days of Twitter," he continued. "This is how I'll remember you, Michelle. God bless you and your family. Praying for y’all."
Instagram / Danny Tamberelli
Danny Tamberelli
The Adventures of Pete & Pete alum wrote this about his former costar:
"We grew up learning how to make people laugh together. More importantly, we learned to make each other laugh and pull pranks on everyone. We were doing improv when it was still called playing pretend to get laughs. She was a master of the clothespin game, tagging any and everyone she could."
He continued, "She once got upset when I got my 1st bass on set because I wouldn’t hang out during lunch. She hid the cable so I couldn’t play through the amp. I got the message."
Danny called Michelle "a bright light, firecracker and caring person who spent a lot of time and effort advocating for people who needed a louder voice."
He added, "Michelle was someone to look up to in this business and to the general world at large. She will be missed."
London Entertainment/Shutterstock
Alyson Hannigan
"I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing," the Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum wrote on Instagram. "She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends."
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Sarah Michelle Gellar
"Michelle, listen to me," the Buffy alum captioned her Feb. 27 Instagram post. "Listen. I love you. I will always love you. The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you."
Chace Crawford
"Michelle was one of a kind," the Gossip Girl alum wrote on Instagram. "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."
Instagram/James Marsters
James Marsters
"My heart is heavy today," the Buffy alum wrote on Instagram. "We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her."
James continued, "My heart goes out to her family who are good people, and are suffering the greatest loss anyone could bear. I hope everyone can give them space to heal in this most difficult time. Godspeed Michelle. You are missed."
Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for The A List
Eliza Dushku
"Sweet soul," the Buffy alum, who played Faith, wrote on her Instagram Story. "So young. So heartbreaking. May you rest in peace, little slayer sis. Holding MT's family + friends in our [hearts]."
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Kate Beckinsale
"What a terrible show and loss, my god," the Underworld actress wrote on Instagram Story. "My heart aches for your mama. Fly safe little bird."
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Blake Lively
"She was electricity," the Gossip Girl alum wrote on Instagram Story. "You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%. She laughed the fullest at someone’s joked, she faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself."
Blake also remembered Michelle's " yummy caramel smelling lipgloss," noting that the late star wore it because "she liked creating a nice experience for anyone who was in her orbit."
"The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle," she added. "May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire."
John Sciulli/Getty Images for Thirst Project
Charisma Carpenter
"It is never easy to see someone so young, bright, beautiful, and full of promise pass away," the Buffy alum wrote on Instagram. "It’s devastating, actually."
"I would be remiss not to acknowledge the undeniable impact she has had on the lives of her fans worldwide," she continued. "She will live on through her performances and her love of storytelling forever."
The actress, who played Cordelia in the teen drama, concluded, "Rest easy, Michelle."
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Leslie Mann
The 17 Again actress wrote of her onscreen daughter, "I will miss you, Michelle."
Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty Images
Christian Siriano
"My love Michelle you will be forever loved and missed by so many," the fashion designer shared on Instagram Story, "and I will never forget all of our memories together for the rest of my life."
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Kim Cattrall
The Sex and the City alum wrote of her Ice Princess costar, "Rest in peace sweet Michelle."
Instagram/Clare Kramer
Clare Kramer
"Peace out little one," Clare—who played Glory on Buffy—wrote on Instagram. "A talented & kind soul gone way too soon! You’re free to fly now."
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Taylor Momsen
"When I met this girl 17 years ago, I knew we’d be friends," the Gossip Girl alum wrote on Instagram. "She was smart and sassy, bold and sensitive, funny as f--k and filled with fire. She was simply awesome."
"She was always in my corner and there to support me whether I was right or wrong," she continued. "I will miss you everyday my love..I think we truly understood each other and I am so grateful to have had a friend like you in my life for so long."
She also shared a message to Michelle, adding, "You were a true friend to me which is a rarity in this world and I can’t believe I won’t hear your voice again..I hope you’re f--king up heaven for both of us."
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Kenan Thompson
The Nickelodeon star wrote of his fellow alum, "Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! Check on your people!!!"
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Rosie O'Donnell
Michelle's Harriet the Spy costar told Us Weekly, "Heartbreaking. I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
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Emma Caulfield
"I'm so sorry your bright light died so young," the actress—who played Anya on Buffy—wrote of her former costar. "Our Buffy family lost a little sister today... Rest in peace lovely Mish Mish. You were loved."
Matt McGorry
"She had a fierceness but also a deep caring and softness with those she trusted," the Orange Is the New Black actor wrote on Instagram. "She always stood up for her friends, was incredibly talented and had the darkest sense of humor. She had the spirit of a true New Yorker."
Though the two were "really close but lost touch for quite a while," Matt said he was "always sure that we’d cross paths again."
"I was looking forward to meeting as the people we’d grown to become," he added. "You will be missed by so many. Love you, Michelle."
VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images
Kristin Chenoweth
"One of the most precious people I've ever know," the Broadway star wrote on Instagram Story. "I will never forget you, Michelle."
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Shawn Ashmore
Michelle's ex-boyfriend, whom she dated between 2004 and 2006, penned a tribute on social media.
"Incredibly sad to hear about Michelle’s passing," he wrote. "She was an incredible person and I will always remember the years we spent together fondly. She was loving, quirky and would never pass up a law and order SVU marathon:)"
He added, "My condolences to her mother Lana and sister Irene! This is an incredible loss!"
Instagram/Kimberly J. Brown
Kimberly J. Brown
"We met on the kid actor audition circuit and had so many fun, unique adventures both in and out of the Biz together, even coming out to act in LA around the same time as young teens," the Halloweentown alum wrote on Instagram. "As older adults we didn’t see eachother as often but our bond over those early days was always there-as was her outgoing, feisty, funny personality and deep love of acting."
She added, "Sending so much love to her mom Lana and her sister Irene whom she loved so much.I love you, Michelle. Rest easy."
Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images
Melissa Joan Hart
"I'm heartbroken to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg," Melissa wrote on Instagram, alognside a throwback clip from Clarissa Explains It All. "So young, so talented and so sweet!"
She added of the clip, "I think this was about 1992 and the episode was an idea I had about babysitting a total nightmare. But Michelle was nothing like her character and even this young, we got along wonderfully."
Victoria Sirakova/Getty Images
Josh Schwartz & Stephanie Savage
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing," the Gossip Girl creators and showrunners shared with NBC News. "Michelle was so funny, kind, and talented. Her portrayal of Georgina Sparks was an iconic fan favorite, and grew from a one season villain to a beloved character who returned over the course of six seasons."
The pair continued, "She was a delight to have on set and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family.”
Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Mara Wilson
"My heart is breaking for my childhood friend," the Matilda alum wrote on Instagram Story . "Your memory will be a blessing, Michelle."
VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images
Melissa Gilbert
"Oh Michy," Melissa wrote on Instagram in tribute to her A Holiday for Love costar. "And we lived so close to one another…..my heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so… @michelletrachtenberg #ripsweetgirl"
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Ed Westwick
"So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg," the Gossip Girl alum wrote on his Feb. 25 Instagram Story. "Sending prayers."
He closed his message with the praying hands and white heart emojis.
Ralph Bavaro/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
David Boreanaz
"So very sad..." Michelle's Buffy The Vampire Slayer costar wrote on social media of her passing. "Horrible News. RIP and prayers to her and her family."
David Livingston/Getty Images
Kevin Zegers
The Gossip Girl alum—who played Damien Dalgaard in the teen drama—described Michelle's passing a "loss."
"Michelle was tough and a force," he added in his Instagram post. "Just a kid, so sad."
Albert L. Ortega/WireImage
J. August Richards
The Angel alum offered his support to those closest to the actress, writing on Instgram, "My heart goes out to her family and loved ones. What a beautiful spirit who left an amazing legacy… Rest In Peace, dear one."
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