Michelle Trachtenberg’s tragic passing has left a profound impact on her fans and loved ones, including her boyfriend, Jay Cohen. Known for her remarkable performances in iconic roles such as her lead in Harriet the Spy and her charming role in Disney’s Ice Princess, Michelle is cherished and fondly remembered by both her fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry.
Numerous former co-stars expressed their sorrow over Michelle’s passing, including the talented Blake Lively, who shared the screen with Michelle on Gossip Girl. In February 2025, Blake honored the late actress with a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram Stories, stating, “She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%. She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke, faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong, cared deeply about her work, was proud to be part of this community and industry—even with its challenges. She was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, big and bold, and distinctly herself.”
In the aftermath of Michelle’s passing, you can delve into her dating history and the details surrounding her relationship with her boyfriend, Jay, below.
Understanding the Circumstances Surrounding Michelle Trachtenberg’s Death
Michelle had previously undergone a significant medical procedure—a liver transplant—but her death has been attributed to complications arising from diabetes, highlighting the serious health challenges she faced.
Exploring the Relationship of Michelle Trachtenberg and Jay Cohen
Michelle was romantically involved with Jay Cohen, a reputable talent agent known for his work with the Gersh Agency, as mentioned in his profile on the International Film Finance Forum. On Valentine’s Day 2025, Michelle expressed her affection for him through a touching Instagram post, stating, “Happy Valentine’s Day to the man who sits still long enough for me to paint his face.”
Five months after the untimely death of Michelle, Jay interacted with an Instagram follower who inquired if he could share memories of his late girlfriend, according to a report from Us Weekly.
In his response, Jay expressed, “One day soon! I’m very sorry,” accompanied by a broken heart emoji. After another follower remarked that it was inappropriate to inquire about Michelle, he responded, “Thank you, it’s OK; it comes from the right place. Michelle was loved by so many.”
A Look Back at Michelle Trachtenberg’s Past Relationships
Prior to her relationship with Jay, Michelle had dated Shawn Ashmore, who also shared his grief over the loss of his former girlfriend through a heartfelt Instagram post. “Incredibly sad to hear about Michelle’s passing,” Shawn conveyed. “She was an incredible person, and I will always remember the years we spent together fondly. She was loving, quirky, and would never pass up a Law and Order SVU marathon:) My condolences to her mother, Lana, and sister, Irene! This is an incredible loss!”
As reported by StyleCaster, Michelle was also linked romantically to several high-profile celebrities including Josh Groban, Jason Segel, Scott Sanford, Joshua Radin, Jason Lewis, and Pete Wentz.
