Life can sometimes feel like it’s stacking the odds against you, but the trick is to keep grinding, to never let up. That relentless spirit is exactly what Michelle Trachtenberg carried with her throughout her career. From her first steps into the spotlight at age three on The Adventures of Pete & Pete, to leaving a lasting impression on fans through iconic roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, she faced both triumphs and hurdles along the way.

Though we no longer have the privilege of her vibrant energy—she passed away far too soon at just 39—the legacy she carved on screen is one that will stand the test of time.

Michelle Trachtenberg in Ice Princess (2005) | Credit: Walt Disney Pictures

Her net worth may have been around $7 million at the time of her death, which might not sound like the massive fortune of some of her peers,...