Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in Gossip Girl and Harriet the Spy, was not only a gifted actress but also an accomplished writer. Before her unexpected death at 39 on February 26, Trachtenberg was immersed in the creation of a screenplay titled Toy Monster, based on Jerry Oppenheimer’s book of the same name.
Casey Tebo, the director attached to the project, spoke exclusively to PEOPLE, reflecting on Trachtenberg’s passion for the script and how her writing talents left a lasting impression on him.
“I don’t remember exactly when, but my dear friend Jay Cohen (Michelle’s boyfriend) sent me a script she had written called Toy Monster,” Tebo shared. “The only scripts I remember staying with me like that in recent memory were two: Here Comes the Flood by Simon Kinberg and Toy Monster around 2019. Because they were the two best, by a landslide.”
Tebo explained that Toy Monster stood out among the scripts he had read in the past, even comparing it to the work of established writers like Kinberg. The project, a sharp and biting dramedy set in the 1950s, centered around a maniacal toy executive.
Despite the recognition from Tebo and others in the industry, Trachtenberg faced challenges in gaining the recognition she deserved as a writer. Tebo expressed frustration that the entertainment world was reluctant to see her for more than just her on-screen roles, particularly as the famous characters she portrayed, like Harriet in Harriet the Spy and Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl.
“Michelle was an incredible writer,” Tebo remarked. “But no one expects her to write like that. It’s about the struggle for credit, compensation, and recognition for success—something Hollywood knows nothing about.”
While Toy Monster had come close to being sold to a studio, the project faced delays when an executive involved with it moved on from the company. This left the film in limbo for a time, but Trachtenberg’s commitment to seeing it through never wavered. Tebo, her boyfriend Cohen, and manager Nick Terry are now determined to bring the project to fruition in her honor.
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“We’re putting the pieces together to get this film made for Michelle,” Tebo shared, revealing that a timely and unexpected offer of help came from an angel investor shortly after he posted about the film on social media. “Maybe Michelle is looking out for us,” Tebo mused. “I’ve never been a superstitious or spiritual person, but things like that are hard to deny.”
Trachtenberg’s untimely passing on February 26 in New York City left the entertainment world in shock. The New York City Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the next day that the cause of her death would remain “undetermined” due to the family’s objection to an autopsy. However, sources close to Trachtenberg revealed that she had been struggling with health issues, including a recent liver transplant.
“She told friends she was struggling,” an insider shared with PEOPLE. “She was really, really sick and open with those in her circle about how much she was struggling.”
Her health battles, however, did not overshadow her dedication to her craft. Trachtenberg had been slated to appear at an upcoming benefit screening of Spyral, her final film, in Austin, Texas, on March 12. Despite stepping back from Hollywood in recent years, she had agreed to attend either in person or virtually, depending on her health. The event had been scheduled without a public announcement, as it was uncertain whether Trachtenberg would be able to participate due to her health.
Jennifer Hutchins, the producer of Spyral, described Trachtenberg as someone who, despite her challenges, remained committed to the industry and her projects. “There was no public announcement planned as we knew it would be a last-minute decision if she was up for it,” Hutchins said.
In addition to her successful acting career, Trachtenberg was known for her sharp wit and creativity, traits that also defined her writing. Tebo, her friend, and collaborator on Toy Monster, has vowed to honor her memory by ensuring that the film she worked so passionately on will one day come to life. “We want to make sure Michelle’s work, her talent, and her spirit live on through this film,” he said.
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As the world continues to mourn the loss of Michelle Trachtenberg, it is clear that she was much more than a beloved television star. Her creativity, her passion for storytelling, and her dedication to her craft have left a lasting impression on those who knew her and worked alongside her. While her untimely passing has left a void in the entertainment world, those close to her are determined to ensure that her legacy, both as an actress and as a writer, will continue to inspire.
