Movies

As Nona in ‘Pete & Pete,’ Michelle Trachtenberg was joyful, dancing with abandon

BBG News

Each actor is recognized by the roles they take on and the productions where they perform them. Michelle Trachtenberg‘s career may not have reached its pinnacle at age 10, but her performances as Dawn Summers on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and Georgina Sparks on “Gossip Girl” were not what stood out most upon hearing about her untimely death at 39. Instead, my thoughts immediately turned to Nona F. Mecklenberg, the character portrayed by Trachtenberg in Nickelodeon’s “The Adventures of Pete & Pete,” a children’s show from the ’90s that is often considered the greatest of its decade and arguably one of the best shows ever produced for television.

Television

39-year-old actress Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in ‘Harriet the Spy,’ ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Gossip Girl,’ passed away at her residence on Wednesday.

In the second season of the show, Nona was brought in as Danny Tamberelli’s (played by Michael C. Maronna’s younger character Pete) loyal companion and partner-in-crime, a counterpart in spirit if not in temperament for his defiance and resentment towards authority. This was Trachtenberg’s first credited role, and while she may seem green at times, this aligns with the series’ unique, exaggerated style – it had ties to independent filmmaker Hal Hartley and featured many alternative musicians, making everyday suburban life feel almost mythical, reminiscent of Homer’s epics. Together, Nona and Trachtenberg navigated their shared journey through life.

In the thrilling world of “Pete & Pete”, I found myself entangled in Little Pete’s grand adventures and standing shoulder to shoulder with him against the flamboyant tormentors, one being the infamous Pit Stains who harbored feelings for me. By the third season, my role became significant enough that I was included in the opening credits, alongside Little Pete, Big Pete, Mom, Dad, Mom’s Plate (who had a metal plate in her head), Ellen (Pete’s friend and occasional crush) and Petunia, Little Pete’s stylish tattoo on his forearm, known for performing 25 sacred dances, including the Leningrad slide. Interestingly, Nona’s forearm was always in a cast, not due to any slow-healing injury but because I found the sensation of itching skin quite intriguing. Truly, we were the unique duo that “Pete & Pete” became known for.

Entertainment & Arts

Michelle Trachtenberg, famed for her roles in ‘Harriet the Spy,’ ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer,’ and ‘Gossip Girl,’ is being honored posthumously by Hollywood. Regrettably, she passed away at the age of 39.

In the third-season episode “Dance Fever,” a snippet from Nona is depicted in rapid movement, pulled from the scene where she attempts to evade partnering with her affectionate father, portrayed by Iggy Pop, who serenades her with a heartfelt plea to dance: “I knelt before you / I tucked you in tight / I carried you so often / I injured my back.” Luscious Jackson, a band well-known at the time, provided the music. To avoid dancing altogether, Little Pete even consumes an enormous quantity of creamed corn, but it’s clear that dancing is inevitable.

Each person’s memory is unique, especially when we talk about well-known figures whose remembrance might extend to countless individuals from various walks of life. For instance, the passing of Michelle and Dawn in the “Buffy” series has sparked discussions among its fans. However, I find myself reminiscing about Nona, her dance moves, and the ecstasy she exuded during that joyous moment. (“Pete! That’s it! Follow my lead!”) Co-creators Will McRobb and Chris Viscardi aimed to create something humorous, emotional, peculiar, and aesthetically pleasing, and they certainly succeeded in doing so. It encapsulates all these elements, making it a truly special piece of work.

Read More

2025-02-27 03:31

Previous post Tragic Death of Gossip Girl Star Unveils Dark Secrets and Claims of Childhood Abuse
Next post Trail-Blazing ABC Boss Dies at 90: A Tribute to Geoffrey Whitehead