Michelle Trachtenberg Biography

Michelle Trachtenberg is anything but an ordinary teenager. Best known for starring as the title character in the big-screen comedy "Harriet the Spy" opposite Rosie O'Donnell, she stars in the mystery-laden role of Buffy's little sister on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

A native New Yorker, Trachtenberg began her acting career at the age of 4, when she appeared in her first television commercial. Since then, she has appeared in over 100 national spots and in starring roles both in film and on television.

In addition to her performance in "Harriet the Spy," Trachtenberg starred opposite Matthew Broderick in the live-action feature film "Inspector Gadget." Her other screen credits include roles in the independent films "Can't Be Heaven," "The Cage" and "Melissa."

Daytime television fans will remember Trachtenberg from her challenging role as the autistic Lily Montgomery on "All My Children," at which time the drama also starred Sarah Michelle Gellar. She was also a series regular on "The Adventures of Pete & Pete" and appeared in the television movies "A Father's Choice" opposite Peter Strauss and Mary McDonnell, and "Christmas in Our Home Town" with Melissa Gilbert.

Michelle has worked alongside such stars as Rosie O'Donnell (Harriet the Spy) and Matthew Broderick (Inspector Gadget). She has starred in many small parts, as well as a lot of big ones. She is one of the most popular young stars in Hollywood, having had appearances in such movies and tv shows as "The Adventures of Pete and Pete", "Meego", "Harriet the Spy", "Snow Day", and "Inspector Gadget" (among others). Michelle loves the show Buffy the Vampire Slayer and is proud to be part of the cast.

For the past four years, Trachtenberg has been an active spokesperson for Kmart Kids Race Against Drugs, R.A.D.D., DARE America, The Starlight Foundation and many other organizations and charities. Trachtenberg's contributions to the fight against drugs earned her the prestigious responsibility of representing the youth of America at CNN's headquarters in Atlanta, where she helped President Clinton launch "The Coalition for a Drug Free America" campaign.

In her spare time, Michelle enjoys swimming, rollerblading, ice-skating, bicycling and writing short stories.

Filmography

Ice Princess (2005) .... Casey Howard
Odd Girl Out (2005)
Mysterious Skin (2004) .... Wendy
Eurotrip (2004) .... Jenny
Teen Choice Awards 2002, The (2002) (TV) .... Presenter
" Truth or Scare" (2001) TV Series .... Host/Narrator
" Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997) TV Series .... Dawn Summers (2000-2003)
Can't Be Heaven (2000) .... Julie
Father's Choice, A (2000) (TV) .... Kelly McClain

Inspector Gadget (1999) .... Penny
Richie Rich's Christmas Wish (1998) (V) .... Gloria
" Meego" (1997) TV Series .... Maggie Parker
Christmas in My Hometown (1996) (TV) .... Noelle Murphy
Harriet the Spy (1996) .... Harriet M. Welsch
" Adventures of Pete & Pete, The" (1993) TV Series .... Nona Mecklenberg (1994-1996)
" All My Children" (1970) TV Series .... Lilly Benton Montgomery (#1) (1993-1996)