Rosie O’Donnell Wishes She ‘Could Have Done More’ For Michelle Trachtenberg Before Her Death - Yahoo

Rosie O'Donnell reflected on her final interactions with late "Harriet the Spy" co-star Michelle Trachtenberg in an interview with Variety published Thursday, saying she wishes she "could have done more" for the actor.
O'Donnell described Trachtenberg as being in "pretty bad shape" before her death, recalling that the actor repeatedly failed to show up for planned meetings at restaurants and O'Donnell's home, and often seemed unaware of their arrangements.
She praised Trachtenberg as "a real genius child" who could memorize lines and improvise, but suggested her decline was linked to addiction, warning that loved ones often underestimate its dangers.
Trachtenberg, known for "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Gossip Girl," died Feb. 26, 2025, at age 39; a New York medical examiner ruled her death was caused by complications of diabetes mellitus, with no mention of substance use.
It was later confirmed Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant in the months before her death; in January 2024 she posted on Instagram to counter speculation about her appearance, writing, "This is my face. Not malnutrition no problems."
O'Donnell compared the situation to Whitney Houston, noting that those close to major stars are often employed by them and reluctant to speak up, and referenced her own 28-year-old daughter Chelsea, who is incarcerated and has been sober for a year and a half.