Blake Lively is remembering Hayden Panettiere and Michelle Trachtenberg with a poignant reminder about the private struggles people may be carrying. Following Panettiere’s sudden death at 36, the “It Ends with Us” actress shared a montage of scenes from “Ice Princess,” the 2005 Disney movie that brought Panettiere and Trachtenberg together onscreen.
The tribute also connected two losses that occurred only 18 months apart. Trachtenberg died at 39 in February 2025, while Panettiere was found dead in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday. “Be. Kind. You never know what others are going through,” Lively wrote over the montage. “Thank you to both these women for all the joy you brought so many.”
Lively’s message arrived one day after news broke of Panettiere’s death. Although Lively did not work with Panettiere on “Ice Princess,” she shared a close professional connection with Trachtenberg through “Gossip Girl.” Lively starred as Serena van der Woodsen on the hit series, while Trachtenberg played the calculating and unpredictable Georgina Sparks.
Panettiere and Trachtenberg, meanwhile, were already established child stars when they appeared together in “Ice Princess,” which became a memorable part of Disney’s early-2000s movie catalog.
Blake Lively Previously Called Michelle Trachtenberg ‘Electricity’
Lively also honored Trachtenberg shortly after her death in 2025. At the time, the actress shared a photograph from the first day she met her future “Gossip Girl” co-star and reflected on Trachtenberg’s commanding presence. “This is the first day I met Michelle. She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed,” Lively wrote in her lengthy tribute.
She remembered Trachtenberg as someone who approached her life, friendships and professional responsibilities with an unmistakable intensity. “Everything she did, she did 200%. She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke, she faced authority head-on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work,” Lively continued.
The actress also described Trachtenberg as “fiercely loyal,” “kind,” and “deeply sensitive.” According to Lively, the late star “was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes” and “was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved.”
Hayden Panettiere And Michelle Trachtenberg Shared The Screen In ‘Ice Princess’
Released in 2005, “Ice Princess” followed Casey Carlyle, a high school student played by Trachtenberg, who discovers a passion for competitive figure skating while researching a physics project. Panettiere portrayed Gen Harwood, an accomplished skater and the daughter of rink manager and coach Tina Harwood, played by Kim Cattrall.
Casey and Gen initially found themselves on opposing sides as Casey attempted to develop her talent and enter the competitive skating world. Tina schemed to protect her daughter’s chances, placing another obstacle in Casey’s path.
Despite beginning as rivals, Casey and Gen eventually developed a bond. Gen helped Casey regain her confidence and pursue the opportunity she had worked toward. The movie earned $25.7 million during its theatrical run, but its cultural life extended far beyond the box office.
Hayden Panettiere Reunited Years Later
Panettiere and Trachtenberg crossed paths publicly again six years after “Ice Princess” reached theaters. In 2011, the actresses attended the unveiling of Stuart Weitzman’s Young Hollywood Cares Collection in New York City.
The charity shoe line was co-created by young stars to raise money for ovarian cancer research, bringing Panettiere and Trachtenberg back together for a cause away from the movie set.
Both women continued building careers after their Disney collaboration. Trachtenberg became a memorable recurring presence on “Gossip Girl” as Georgina, while Panettiere went on to lead “Heroes” and “Nashville.”
Michelle Trachtenberg’s Cause Of Death Was Confirmed
Trachtenberg was found dead inside her New York City apartment near Columbus Circle in February 2025. Her death was later attributed to complications from diabetes mellitus.
Panettiere’s cause of death, however, has not yet been determined. Narcan was reportedly discovered inside the apartment where she was found. It remains unclear whether the medication, which is used to reverse opioid overdoses, was administered in an attempt to revive her.
911 audio indicated that the actress experienced cardiac arrest following a suspected overdose. However, authorities have not confirmed that an overdose caused her death.
