Michelle Trachtenberg’s unexpected omission from the 2025 Oscars‘ In Memoriam segment has sparked widespread controversy.
During the ceremony, Morgan Freeman presented the segment, which featured tributes to Gene Hackman, Shelley Duvall, and James Earl Jones. Freeman delivered a particularly heartfelt tribute to his ‘Unforgiven’ co-star Hackman, acknowledging his Oscar wins and the enduring affection of audiences.
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‘Gene’s philosophy was simple: “I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.” We all know, Gene, you’ll be remembered for that and for so much more. Rest in peace, my friend,’
Freeman, 87, stated against the backdrop of a live rendition of Mozart’s ‘Requiem – Lacrimosa.’
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Despite the heartfelt tributes to other Hollywood figures, viewers were shocked by the absence of Michelle Trachtenberg, who died on February 26, 2025, at the age of 39.
Although she was not included in the live segment, she is listed in the official In Memoriam database on The Academy’s website.
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Trachtenberg was found unconscious and unresponsive on Wednesday, February 26, and pronounced dead by emergency medical services.
The New York City Chief Medical Examiner’s Office has listed the cause and manner of death as undetermined, according to a statement released to USA TODAY on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
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An ‘undetermined’ ruling indicates either insufficient information to establish a cause of death or conflicting evidence that prevents a definitive classification of the manner of death, such as natural or accidental.
Her family declined an autopsy, and the medical examiner’s office honored that request, as reported by CNN and ABC News.
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Gary Mantoosh, Michelle Trachtenberg’s representative, confirmed her death in a statement, expressing “great sadness.” He also stated that “no further details are available at this time” and requested the family’s privacy.
Trachtenberg is best known for her roles in the beloved teen television shows “Gossip Girl” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” 39-year-old Michelle Trachtenberg enjoyed a successful career that spanned from childhood to her prominence in the 2000s.
