‘Matilda’ Star Mara Wilson Reveals Michelle Trachtenberg’s Heart breaking Bullying Story in Emotional Essay!
Mara Wilson, known for her iconic role in Matilda, has penned an emotional tribute to her childhood friend, Michelle Trachtenberg, following her tragic death in February. Wilson’s heartfelt essay for Vulture explores their deep friendship, the struggles they both faced as young stars, and the grief she felt when she learned of Trachtenberg’s passing.
A Friendship Formed in Middle School
Mara Wilson and Trachtenberg’s bond began long before their careers as child stars. The two attended the same middle school in Burbank, California, and shared a connection over their experiences in the spotlight. However, their school years weren’t easy for Trachtenberg, who faced harsh bullying from classmates. Wilson recalled how students called her friend “mean” and relentlessly teased her.
In the essay, Mara Wilson remembered a conversation she had with Trachtenberg where the Harriet the Spy star opened up about her painful experience. “They call me Harriet the S–t, Harriet the Bitch, Harriet the Bitchy Spy … and so much worse. They never stop,” Trachtenberg shared, opening up about the toll the bullying took on her.
A Rare Vulnerability
What struck Wilson the most during this conversation was how rare it was to see Trachtenberg cry. Known for her composure and confidence, Trachtenberg’s usual demeanor hid the pain she was enduring. Wilson explained that it wasn’t just the bullying that hurt her friend, but the feeling that there was no escape from the cruelty of her classmates.
Mara Wilson had never seen Trachtenberg so vulnerable before, and it was a moment that stayed with her. The two shared a bond of understanding as they navigated their childhoods in the public eye, often facing challenges that most children didn’t have to deal with.
The Heartbreaking News
Fast forward to February 2025, when Mara Wilson received the heartbreaking news of her friend’s death. Wilson was packing for a work trip when she saw a message on her phone that made her world stop. “My hands were shaking and my knees went weak — I thought I might pass out,” Wilson wrote, describing the overwhelming grief she felt.
“This wasn’t supposed to happen,” Mara Wilson continued. “She was too young. She’d worked too hard. I always thought I would get the chance to see her again, to tell her how much I’d always looked up to her.” Wilson reflected on the deep connection they shared, remembering their time together as children as some of the best of her life.
A Friendship That Endured
Throughout the years, Trachtenberg had been a source of support for Wilson. In her tribute, Wilson credited her late friend for being there for her during one of the darkest times of her life — the death of her mother in 1996. Wilson spoke about how Trachtenberg had been a true friend, providing comfort when she needed it most.
Trachtenberg, best known for her role in Gossip Girl, had suffered from ongoing health issues in the years leading up to her death. Reports mentioned that she had struggled with back and bone problems, and had even undergone liver surgery before her passing. Despite her health challenges, Trachtenberg remained resilient and never allowed her struggles to define her.
The Outpouring of Love
In the wake of her death, many of Trachtenberg’s former co-stars have paid tribute to her on social media. Sarah Michelle Gellar, Blake Lively, and others have shared their fond memories of the actress, honoring her legacy and the impact she had on their lives.
Though Trachtenberg’s cause of death was ruled “undetermined,” the love and admiration from those who knew her best is undeniable. Her family has objected to an autopsy, but the impact of her life is clear in the tributes pouring in from friends, colleagues, and fans alike.
A Lasting Legacy
Mara Wilson’s tribute serves as a reminder of the power of friendship and the deep bonds that can form, even in the most difficult circumstances. While Trachtenberg’s death is an immense loss, her memory lives on through the many lives she touched, including Wilson’s.
As Mara Wilson reflected on their shared history, she concluded, “To tell her the times we spent together as children were some of the best of my life.” It’s a sentiment that will likely resonate with all who knew and loved Michelle Trachtenberg, a star who, despite the challenges she faced, will never be forgotten.
