Movies

Michelle Trachtenberg Honored at Final Film Screening After Oscars Snub

BBG News

The life and memory of Michelle Trachtenberg were celebrated at a recent showing of her last movie, which took place about two weeks following her untimely passing at the age of 39.

On February 26, the actress was found deceased at her New York City apartment, having had a liver transplant approximately a year prior.

In her last days, it was reported that actress Jamie King, famous for her roles in “Ice Princess” (2005) and “Gossip Girl” on The CW, was battling worsening health problems.

However, on Wednesday, Jennifer Hutchins, a producer at Spyral, honored Trachtenberg for the significant impact she had on people’s lives, not just through her work on-screen, but also off it.

She gave an emotional speech prior to the showing of the documentary at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas, where Trachtenberg had intended to be present before she passed away.

In his emotional state, as reported by PEOPLE, Hutchins shared that he had the joy of collaborating with Michelle on the project Spyral. He confessed that he hadn’t anticipated…

‘I never thought when I would start this journey that this film would become her last film.’

After Trachtenberg’s demise, Hutchins disclosed that she had been approached by the national media, seeking information about the actor’s health and welfare during the filming of the 2024 production.

Instead of discussing her own private issues, Hutchins chose to reflect on Trachtenberg’s portrayal in Spyral and emphasize how it significantly contributed to raising mental health awareness.

In the documentary, Trachtenberg was chosen to recite passages from Michelle Cody White’s unrecognized bipolar diary, written before her demise due to untreated bipolar disorder.

2021 saw me eagerly recording my voiceover for Spyral, little did I know that its premiere would be delayed by the unforeseen challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a devoted fan, I’ve been anxiously waiting to finally see it on the big screen, and TMZ previously reported that the much-anticipated debut won’t happen until 2024.

In a recent talk on Wednesday, Hutchins shared that he spoke about Michelle Cody White, the woman whose life forms the basis of the film ‘Spyral’. He added that spending time with her made him feel as though he had become Michelle Cody White himself.

She said Trachtenberg’s voiceover was so impactful that it brought the film’s crew to tears.

Everyone had moments of pause, everyone found themselves shedding emotional tears, and you could detect her labored breathing, you could sense her trembling as she read private correspondence, personal diaries, and journals penned by Michelle Cody White.

At the outset of the showing, Hutchins observed a moment’s quiet tribute to Trachtenberg and cautioned viewers that Spyral might be challenging to endure.

‘Before we do this, we are going to do a 45-second silence for Michelle,’ the producer said. 

On Wednesday, the screening, modified at the last minute to honor Trachtenberg, took place in aid of mental health charities.

The Spyral production team is actively pursuing a public distribution agreement, aiming to broaden the reach of the project.

Last month, Hutchins told TMZ that Trachtenberg is “one of the kindest and gentlest people I’ve had the good fortune to meet.

She added, ‘I could tell she cared deeply about people and using her voice for the greater good.’

Hutchins paid tribute to Trachtenberg during a recent screening, which occurred less than two weeks following her unexpected absence in the In Memoriam segment at the Oscars.

People also pointed out that the Academy overlooked notable entertainers such as Tony Todd, Shannen Doherty, Martin Mull, and Linda Lavin, who have recently passed away, when they paid tribute to those in the industry during their annual event last year.

One user expressed disbelief and disapproval, saying: “Is it true they didn’t acknowledge Michelle Trachtenberg during the ‘In Memoriam’ at tonight’s Oscars? That seems inconsiderate given she’s a New York City native who retired from show business due to health issues.

One viewer expressed disappointment: “It’s disappointing that the Oscars omitted Michelle Trachtenberg from their montage honoring actors and actresses who have passed this year!!!

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but express my disappointment and frustration. When it comes to the Oscars, I was taken aback by their decision not to include Michelle Trachtenberg in the memorial segment. One viewer put it quite strongly: “Ohhh…F*** YOU #Oscars” and another exclaimed, “NO MICHELLE TRACHTENBERG?!?!?? Go to Hell #Oscars.” I share their dismay and feel that Michelle’s contributions to the entertainment industry should have been recognized.

One viewer expressed their astonishment over the exclusion: “Is it true that Michelle Trachtenberg wasn’t included in the ‘In Memoriam’ segment during tonight’s Oscars? That just seems unfair.

In the 1996 movie “Harriet the Spy,” Trachtenberg became well-known, and afterward, he made appearances on two widely watched television series: “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl.

Trachtenberg was also featured in several films such as Inspector Gadget (released in 1999), EuroTrip (2004), Black Christmas (2006), and 17 Again (2009).

In a released statement, the NYPD reported that police officers, who were dispatched to an apartment complex in the Hell’s Kitchen district of Manhattan on February 26 due to a 911 call, discovered the actress in a state of unconsciousness and unresponsiveness.

At the scene of the incident, it was officially declared that Trachtenberg had passed away, with authorities stating that there was no indication of any wrongdoing contributing to his death.

According to Page Six, the exact reason for Trachtenberg’s demise remains unknown as her family declined to permit an autopsy.

Her family was able to object to the procedure on religious grounds.

Lately, some close associates opened up to Us Weekly about the individual they assert has been struggling with poor health for quite some time.

People have suggested that the actress was managing health concerns related to her back and bones for many years prior to her passing.

Previous reports indicated that Trachtenberg had received a liver transplant within the last year. A source close to her revealed that she hadn’t concealed this information from those who are most intimate with her.

According to a friend, she freely discussed her transplant experience with people close to her, but they never received specific details about the surgical process.

It was disclosed by those close to her that prior to her early release this year, she had stayed for a considerable duration at the hospital.

In their conversation with US Weekly, a source from the industry shared that the last encounter they had with her seemed unusual. There was an underlying tension, as if there were unspoken troubles. She appeared very weak and had been dealing with illness for some time.

A bystander claimed to have spotted Trachtenberg at Sartiano’s restaurant in Soho on February 20, only days before her passing. This individual mentioned that Trachtenberg appeared unusual or out of sorts.

A fellow resident from Trachtenberg’s apartment complex shared with the press that, during her last days, the actress appeared noticeably slimmer, using the term ‘slender’ or ‘trim’ to describe her appearance.

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2025-03-14 02:49

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