“Buffy” alum to play bitchy character on teen drama

By Matthew B. Zeidman

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 3/23/08 – Fresh off a reunion with her “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” castmates at the William S. Paley Television Festival, young actress Michelle Trachtenberg is ready to star again, this time with a prominent guest spot on the CW teen drama “Gossip Girl.”

“I am super excited. Josh Schwartz is an awesome dude and he is inspiring me to bring out my inner bitch!” Trachtenberg told Usmagazine.com, referring to the co-creator and co-producer of the show.

Set to appear during a multi-episode story arc in May, the 22-year-old will play Georgina Sparks, an old friend of primary character Serena van der Woodsen (played by Blake Lively), who will try to expose the Upper East Sider’s past misdeeds. Actress Mischa Barton, who worked with Schwartz on “The O.C.,” was reportedly offered the role before Trachtenberg, but turned it down.

Trachtenberg has made several television guest appearances since the end of “Buffy” in 2003, including a 2006 episode of “House,” in which she played an immune-compromised teenager who eventually learned her anaphylaxis was the result of a tick attaching itself to her nether regions. Trachtenberg took the role in stride, revealing on an episode of “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” that she left a humorous love note between her legs to surprise the star of the medical drama, Hugh Laurie, during an examination scene.