Michelle Trachtenberg

Biography

Birthdate: October 11, 1985
Birthplace: New York, NY

Michelle Trachtenberg ('Jenny' in "Eurotrip") is best known for her role as Buffy’s sister Dawn on the television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," for which she won a Young Artist Award for Best Supporting Actress. On the big screen, Trachtenberg made an auspicious feature film debut at the age of 10, starring in the title role of "Harriet the Spy," opposite Rosie O’Donnell. Trachtenberg won the Young Artist Award for Best Leading Young Actress in a Feature Film for her work in that film. She later earned another Young Artist Award nomination for her role in the family hit "Inspector Gadget," opposite Matthew Broderick.

Following "Eurotrip," Trachtenberg stars with Joseph Gordon-Levitt in the independent film drama "Mysterious Skin," based on the novel by Scott Helm and directed by Gregg Araki. She is next set to star as a brainy girl who realizes her dream of becoming a champion figure skater in "Ice Princess." On television, Trachtenberg is currently filming a four-episode arc on HBO’s award-winning series "Six Feet Under." She is also featured in Trapt’s new music video for the single "Echo."

A native New Yorker, Trachtenberg began acting at the age of three when she appeared in her first television commercial. Her early credits include the television series "The Adventures of Pete & Pete" and "Meego," the daytime drama "All My Children," and the telefilms "Christmas in My Hometown" and "A Father’s Choice." She also appeared in such independent features as "Can’t Be Heaven," "The Cage" and "Melissa."

Trachtenberg was recently named by Teen People as one of the "20 Teens Who Will Change the World" for her active participation in a number of charities, including many anti-drug campaigns.