Michelle Trachtenberg had "pulled back from Hollywood" in the years before her death

A friend told People: "She had taken a step away from Hollywood. She just had the story of childhood stardom. She had a couple roles throughout the last decade, but nothing of real note.

"She really pulled back from Hollywood [in] the last eight years.

"She was a great girl who just never got her footing, just like many childhood stars."

After starring in 'Harriet the Spy' and 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', Michelle attained wider fame through her role on 'Gossip Girl' in the late 2000s, and her last credited appearance was on the 2023 reboot of the hit teen drama.

The insider added: "She was an overall great girl. She was always kind, supportive and loving.

"It's so sad. It really is. She was an amazing person."

While Michelle's passing was not being treated as suspicious, it still unclear what happened to her.

The outlet reports that the New York City Medical Examiner's Office announced Michelle's family objected to an autopsy, meaning only an external exam of the star's body was allowed, leading to her cause of death to be ruled "undetermined".

The actress was reported to have undergone a liver transplant recently, and over the last few years, her fans have expressed concern about her health on social media.

And in 2024, the TV star actually took to social media to explain her gaunt appearance.

In response to a question about her health, Michelle replied: "@cathy_critz explain to me how I look sick. Did you lose a calendar and not realize I'm not 14? I'm 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment. (sic)"