The sudden death of American star Michelle Trachtenberg has shocked everyone. Her body was discovered yesterday in her luxurious New York apartment by her mother, Lana. Since 2020, Trachtenberg had been in a relationship with talent agent Jay Cohen. The 63-year-old man was seen at the actress’s Los Angeles home.
Jay opened the doors of the mansion after persistent knocks from reporters. He appeared distraught, with tearful eyes. Cohen made a brief but firm statement: “The family will not be commenting on this tragedy.”
His presence at Michelle’s California residence suggests that they were still together before her passing. The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star lived in a four-bedroom, 240-square-meter Sherman Oaks mansion with her mother. Cohen has been registered at the address since 2021. He also mentioned that Michelle’s mother and sister were not home.
The actress had long kept her personal life private but had recently been more open about her relationship with her longtime partner, who was 24 years her senior. In March of last year, Michelle shared a photo with Jay, wishing him a happy birthday with the caption: “Happy birthday to the man who puts up with me.”
On Valentine’s Day, she posted a Halloween throwback of the two dressed as Jekyll and Hyde, writing, “Happy Valentine’s Day to the man who sits still long enough for me to paint his face.” Jay had first shared a photo with Michelle on his social media in July 2021, captioning it: “With her, it’s fireworks every day!”
The medical examiner has yet to determine the exact cause of the Gossip Girl star’s death. Michelle had recently undergone a liver transplant following a battle with alcohol addiction, and complications from the procedure may have played a role.
Cohen has two adult daughters, Rachel and Lily, from a previous relationship. He is a partner at the prestigious Hollywood talent agency Gersh, which Michelle joined in 2014. In 1999, he also underwent a transplant—receiving a kidney. In July 2023, he shared an emotional post marking the 24th anniversary of his surgery, thanking his donor, therapist Suzie Landolphi.
“When my daughters were asked what they wanted for their birthdays, they said they wanted me to get better. I don’t know what I did to deserve Suzie’s kidney and her gift, but I do know that I live as healthily as possible to honor it. Life is worth fighting for—help others, spread love, not hate!” Cohen wrote.
