Guide Note

Michelle Trachtenberg is an American actress. Her first big role was as Harriet the Spy with Rosie O'Donnell. Most recently she's starred in Ice Princess, with Kim Cattrall and Joan Cusack, and Black Christmas.

Michelle Christine Trachtenberg was born in New York City on October 11, 1985. Her parents are Lana, a manager, and Michael Trachtenberg, an engineer. Her mother was born in Russia and Trachtenberg can speak Russian fluently. Her family celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah.

At the age of three, Trachtenberg made her first appearance on television on a commercial for Wisk Detergent. Her first credited role was on the Nickelodeon show The Adventures of Pete & Pete as Nona F. Mecklenberg. She was also in All My Children around this time playing Lily Montgomery. Trachtenberg met Sarah Michelle Gellar on the set of All My Children.

In 1996, Trachtenberg was cast to star in the movie Harriet the Spy, playing a child spy. She starred with Rosie O'Donnell who played her nanny.

In 2000 Trachtenberg was cast in the vampire series Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Buffy's sister Dawn Sommers. She kept the role until the series ended in 2003.

In 2006 Trachtenberg starred in the Disney movie Ice Princes. She is also set to appear in the series Gossip Girl.

Fast Facts

1. Born: October 11, 1985
2. Birthplace: New York City
3. First Television appearance: on a commercial for Wisk Detergent
4. Known for her role as Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer
5. Speaks fluent Russian