Michelle Trachtenberg reportedly experienced "hardships" prior to her abrupt demise. The Gossip Girl veteran was discovered lifeless in New York City at age 39 on Wednesday, Feb. 26. PEOPLE's informant states that Trachtenberg felt "deeply depressed emotionally" during the previous year. The actress also confronted "medical problems" simultaneously.
Michelle Trachtenberg Dies At 39 (Source: www.forbes.com)
"She confided in companions about her difficulties," reveals the informant. "She battled severe illness and discussed her struggles candidly with her inner group." According to this insider, Trachtenberg physically appeared "blanched, emaciated" and "extremely skinny."
Law enforcement answered an emergency call at 1 Columbus Place in New York City approximately 8 a.m. on Feb. 26, as the NYPD verified to PEOPLE. "Officers discovered an unresponsive 39-year-old woman upon reaching the scene. Medical teams arrived and declared the individual dead. Foul play is not believed to be involved." Authorities continue their examination of the case.
The New York Post initially published the news. PEOPLE discovered Trachtenberg had lately received a liver replacement. An informant told ABC News this procedure possibly resulted in health complications.
While Trachtenberg never openly disclosed any medical conditions, she addressed critics questioning her health following an Instagram selfie posted January 2024. "Interesting information. This represents my actual face," she wrote beneath a subsequent image. "Not undernourishment no ailments. Why express negativity? Obtain a time-keeping device." Later, she posted: "I've noticed numerous remarks lately concerning my physical appearance. I haven't undergone cosmetic procedures I remain joyful and fit. Examine yourselves critics."
Michelle Trachtenberg Hit Back at Health Criticism 1 Year ... (Source: people.com)
Trachtenberg began her career filming advertisements before securing spots on Nickelodeon's The Adventures of Pete & Pete and All My Children at age 9 in 1993. She later headlined Harriet the Spy in 1996, then portrayed Dawn Summers, Buffy's younger sibling, in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Between 2008 and 2012, Trachtenberg embodied Georgina Sparks, a recurring personality on the popular series Gossip Girl. She revisited this character for two episodes of the Max revival in 2023, marking her final television performance.
Lauren Tewes left Hollywood and became cheese steward after losing baby
After starring for seven years as the cruise director on a ship that promised romance, this actor received much hostility when she was dismissed for her public struggle with cocaine.
The now 70-year-old celebrity went from being a beloved TV ship steward to working as a cheese server for a catering business in Seattle after destroying her career and personal life.
When "The Love Boat" premiered in 1977, the television show delivered on its promise to offer "something for everyone."
Viewers eagerly watched each week to follow the escapades of their favorite Pacific Princess crew members, including Captain Stubing and his daughter Vicki (Gavin McLeod and Jill Whelan), Doc (Bernie Kopell), Gopher (Fred Grandy), bartender Isaac (Ted Lange), and cruise director Cynthia Lauren Tewes, who began her role as Julie McCoy at age 23.
This Former TV Icon Became a Cheese Steward After Losing a ... (Source: news.amomama.com)
During the eighth season of this popular series, the Golden Globe nominated Tewes, who had secured the role over 100 other applicants, was noticeably missing from the ship. The actress was replaced by Patricia Klous, who portrayed her on-screen sister and new cruise director, Judy McCoy.
In a 1985 interview with TV Guide, executive producer Douglas Cramer explained Tewes' termination: "There were severe problems with Lauren. Not just recently, but for all of the seven years she was with The Love Boat... It was terribly disrupting."
Tewes lost her job on the show in 1984 due to her cocaine addiction.
"All that money didn't go into a bank. It went into my nose," Tewes admitted in the same interview. "I wanted to be one of the gang. I am ashamed to say it, but it's true. The first time I took cocaine I had just gotten the job on The Love Boat and I was on my way to a party. My date said, 'Let's do drugs.' And I said, 'What the heck?'
"The feeling it gave me was incredible euphoria. You think you are fine. You think you are stronger, braver. I thought it gave me the courage I missed. It was like going to Oz and asking for courage. But instead, I got cocaine."
In 2014, Tewes told Oprah Winfrey about her battle with cocaine addiction.
"I felt guilty, I felt shamed and humiliation and disgusted and disappointment, I knew that I had gotten myself into a situation I couldn't get out of by myself," she revealed. "I secretly begged and begged and begged for someone to help me. For me it was an issue with cocaine in the 1970's and early 1980's when it was a popular drug but if you ask anybody, I was the only one doing it in all of Hollywood. It was just me and nobody wanted to help me."
Fighting her addiction alone, the actress from the 1981 film "Eyes of a Stranger" began withdrawal in 1980, though it took several years for her to achieve sobriety.
"I realized I wasn't enjoying myself, I was destroying my health, and I was wasting all my money. So, I quit entirely," she explains in the TV Guide interview.
Family tragedy
This Former TV Icon Became a Cheese Steward After Losing a ... (Source: news.amomama.com)
After beoming sober, Tewes shifted her professional focus to theater, which provided her a fresh outlet to display her acting and directing skills.
During this period, she experienced two divorces before meeting Robert Nadir in 1993 while acting in an Arizona Theater Company production. The couple maintained a long-distance relationship for a year until Tewes relocated to Seattle to be with him.
"I chose to transform my entire life, which has proven wonderful for me," she stated in 1998. "The local theater community has welcomed me warmly."
The pair married in 1996, but tragedy struck in 2002 when Robert received a diagnosis of Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). He passed away that same year at 46. This wasn't Tewes' first experience with family loss. In 1987, she suffered the death of her 1-month-old daughter, who died following a premature birth.
'Victim of circumstance'
Her professional life never fully rebounded, though she secured minor roles on television shows including "Who's the Boss?", "The Fugitive" and "Twin Peaks." Tewes also joined her original castmates for an episode of "The Love Boat: The Next Wave," where her character develops a romance with Doc.
She did not participate in Princess Cruises' recent Love Boat at Sea Celebration, a seven-day themed cruise featuring several original cast members from the TV series including Kopell, Lange, Whelan and Grandy, who served as a congressman from 1987 to 1995. McLeod died in 2021 at 90 years old.
Despite her absence, her former colleagues remembered her fondly.
People magazine reports that Whelan, now 57, mentioned she regularly sees her former castmate, who travels to visit for weekends spent "cooking and just laughing and sharing stories all the time."
"We should talk about our friend, who is like a sister to all of us," says the former child actress. "She's a truly genuine, sweet person, and importantly, an exceptional actress. I look back at The Love Boat episodes and marvel at her ability to transition effortlessly between dramatic scenes and comedy. She remains one of our favorite people and we adore her."
Grandy also discussed her departure from the show, noting she "has recovered magnificently" and that the "circumstances of her dismissal were not so lovely."
"This happened in the early '80s, when substance abuse on sets was treated as a punishable offense," Grandy, 76, explained. "It wasn't viewed as a healthcare issue, and wasn't understood as it is today. To some extent, she became a victim of circumstance because the attention, care, and therapy she should have received came instead as discipline."
Today, she lends her voice to "Murder and the Murdochs," a comedy-mystery radio program produced by Imagination Theatre.
When not engaged in acting work, the 70-year-old culinary expert spends time refining her expertise as a cheese specialist with a catering company based in Seattle.
This Former TV Icon Became a Cheese Steward After Losing a ... (Source: news.amomama.com)
"I sincerely hope and pray that's all behind me now," Tewes tells the Los Angeles Times. "I believe I made correct decisions by trying to remain in the industry while it attempted to exclude me, by following my personal instincts and motivation, and by choosing to persevere through challenges."
What are your thoughts about Tewes and her removal from this famous TV series? Please share your opinions with us and pass this story along so we can hear others' perspectives!
This Beauty Was Miss America 1955 and Now Battles the Same Illness as Her Daughter – See Her Transformation
She initially won America's admiration as a beauty queen and later captivated viewers in films for many years. Yet, behind the scenes of Hollywood, her life has been filled with love, personal struggles, and perseverance. Here is the story of this actress and her evolution over time.
A young woman with ambitions for the stage never expected a spontaneous choice would lead her to national recognition. Raised in Phoenix, she was the daughter of an accountant who also dreamed of performing.
While studying drama in college, a friend advised her to compete in a local beauty contest. That one decision earned her the title of Miss America in 1955, which shaped her public image but did not limit her goals.
"To this day, I am unsure why they chose me. I hope it was because I played a talent that made them sit up. I performed as a 70-year-old Irish mother mourning her last son lost at sea," she explained.
"I removed all my makeup, wore a shawl and my father’s black socks — the costume I used in a high school play. It was the only thing I knew how to do. I’m an actress, that’s what I wanted," she added.
She became the first Miss America serenaded with “There She Is, Miss America” during her reign. Her year was packed with memorable moments, from winning over $60,000 in prizes and cash to meeting famous personalities like Juan Perón.
She even dated baseball icon Joe DiMaggio, although her mother and columnist Walter Winchell kept their relationship chaperoned. Despite the fame, she was aware that the title carried certain stereotypes.
Many thought pageant winners were beautiful but lacked intelligence. She was determined to disprove that. After her reign, she joined "The Today Show" as an analyst, working with Dave Garroway.
"Midway through my tour as Miss America, I got a call from 'The Today Show' asking me to join as a regular. I was thrilled," she recalled.
This opportunity launched her TV career and allowed her to use her scholarship to study acting with Lee Strasberg. She improved her skills in acting, singing, and fencing, preparing for a lasting entertainment career.
Her move from beauty queen to actress was quick. She made her TV debut in "The Philco Television Playhouse" and landed her first film role in "The 4-D Man."
Over time, she became recognizable in Hollywood with notable roles such as Catwoman in the "Batman" TV series, and parts in films like "Angel in My Pocket" and "The Undefeated."
In 1958, she married actor Frank Aletter, and they had two daughters, Kyle and Lesley. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1973, but she stayed deeply involved in her children's lives.
Her daughters also entered show business; Kyle appeared with her mother in productions like "The Gingerbread Lady" and "Last Summer at Bluefish Cove." Lesley became a stunt performer.
They even performed together in "Circus of the Stars," showing their adventurous side. Later, she found love again with actor Marshall Borden while performing in "Angel Street."
They married in 1986 while acting together in San Francisco. Their professional relationship strengthened their romantic bond.
Sadly, her life took a difficult turn when she and her daughter Kyle were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a diagnosis Kyle shared publicly during an interview.
Despite her daughter’s illness, she maintained humor about her own health issues, describing a brain tumor as "the easiest one I went through." As Kyle’s condition worsened, she realized her life had led her to that moment—being by her mother’s side.
She reflected, “When my surgeries caught up with me, I had to leave my work — and that was Mom.” She emphasized the importance of balance in life and care responsibilities, expressing gratitude.
In 2003, she participated in "A Life Celebration for Buddy Ebsen" in North Hollywood. Unfortunately, Kyle eventually lost her battle with Alzheimer’s, marking the end of their shared journey.
"Model Kyle Aletter passed away from Alzheimer’s on Wednesday, July 31. Pray for her family, and may she rest in peace," announced a social media post in 2024.
Despite the loss, she refused to withdraw from the stage. Even before her daughter’s passing, she was working on a memoir titled "From the Boardwalk to the Catwalk."
She continued to perform, including a one-woman show called "The Women of Spoon River," portraying twenty-three different women within an hour. At age in her 70s, she still auditioned for roles, including voice parts for "Tom and Jerry."
"That’s fun. I love it," she said when asked if she planned to slow down. Her secret to staying youthful included good genes, a positive outlook, and simple routines like upward facial rubbing.
Maintaining an active lifestyle was important; she went to the gym three times weekly. “Having a good sense of humor helps. The laugh lines will be there whether you want them or not, so let them be,” she advised.
Apart from her career, she has dedicated herself to humanitarian causes. She served as honorary chairwoman of Ability First, which supports those with disabilities.
She also supported the American Cancer Society, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Blind Children’s Center. Her compassion extended to animals through her work with Actors and Others for Animals.
Most importantly, she cherished her role as a grandmother. Over the years, she has remained a symbol of grace, strength, and beauty. Many social media users continue to admire how stunning she looks at 89.
Several comments expressed admiration: "You are still a true American beauty," "That radiant smile!" "As beautiful as years ago. Great genes," and "Your eyes are as captivating as ever."
From winning Miss America to fighting the same illness that took her daughter, Lee Meriwether has shown resilience and resolve. Whether on the screen, stage, or through her charitable work, her legacy is rooted in strength, love, and a life filled with purpose.
Fears for Ariana Grande as new image shows star looking painfully thin
A recent social media photo of Ariana Grande at the BAFTA Film Awards has ignited new worries about her health. The photo shows the Oscar-nominated performer looking extremely thin while giving autographs to fans.
Reddit users expressed deep concern after seeing the now-removed image. One commenter stated, "I just hope she's okay because I certainly would not be if I were in her shoes and everyone felt so entitled to talk about my body all the time." Other users shared similar worries, with one noting, "Every time I see a new pic I feel shocked all over again," and another adding, "It's sad to watch it happen."
Ariana Grande Wears Plunging Louis Vuitton Gown With ... (Source: www.yahoo.com)
The Grammy winner faced intense scrutiny about her physical appearance during the promotional activities for the movie Wicked, where she played Glinda. Medical experts state that visible sternums and hollow cheeks in adults can indicate health issues, including malnutrition. This condition can cause serious problems like reduced energy, muscle loss, weakened immunity, and slow wound healing.
During a New York Times interview, Grande and her co-star Cynthia Erivo described demanding filming schedules for Wicked. Both actors caught Covid during production, with Grande filming "Popular" shortly after recovery. Erivo later expressed relief when the 2023 actors' strike paused production, saying they had "worked themselves to the bone."
Grande previously addressed public commentary about her appearance, stating, "I think we should be gentler and less comfortable commenting on people's bodies, no matter what."
Ariana Grande Wears Poufy Pink and Black Gown at 2025 BAFTAs (Source: people.com)
During a December interview with French journalist Salima Jeanne Poumbga, known professionally as Sally, Ariana Grande discussed public reactions to her appearance. The conversation took place during the Wicked promotional tour, where Grande opened up about constant online discussions regarding her weight.
Grande, who started her career at age 16 on Nickelodeon's Victorious, shared her experience of public scrutiny. She explained, "I've been a specimen in a petri dish since I was 16 or 17. I've heard every criticism about what's wrong with me. When you fix one thing, it becomes wrong for different reasons."
The performer addressed the challenges of dealing with public commentary, noting that unwanted remarks about appearance can be distressing in any context. She mentioned how even casual comments at family gatherings about weight changes can feel invasive and uncomfortable.
Ariana Grande addresses body-shaming comments on TikTok (Source: www.elle.com)
Grande strongly criticized society's casual attitude toward commenting on others' appearances. She emphasized the inappropriate nature of public discussions about people's bodies, faces, clothing choices, and assumed health conditions. The singer expressed gratitude for her support system that helps maintain her self-confidence.
In 2023, Grande directly confronted body-shaming through a TikTok video after viral images compared her weight over different years. She defended her health status and urged for more consideration when discussing others' physical appearance, stating: "I think we should be gentler and less comfortable commenting on people's bodies, no matter what."
Grande made a compelling appeal against unsolicited comments about physical appearance. She stated, "Even well-intentioned remarks about someone being healthy, unhealthy, big, small, or attractive should be avoided."
Is Ariana Grande Quitting Pop Music? (Source: popcrush.com)
The "Yes And?" performer addressed viral comparisons of her body, revealing that photos people considered her "healthiest" actually captured her during a difficult period. She explained that those images showed her while taking antidepressants and consuming alcohol, a potentially dangerous combination.
Grande openly shared that during the time when fans thought she looked her best, she struggled with poor eating habits and experienced severe emotional challenges. She emphasized that health manifests differently for everyone, saying, "There are many different ways to look healthy and beautiful."
The singer chose to share these personal details hoping to create positive change through vulnerability. She concluded her message by reinforcing that healthy appearances vary among individuals, challenging standard perceptions of wellness and beauty.
