Michelle Trachtenberg was deeply affected by Matthew Perry’s death — and what it could mean for her.
The late 39-year-old starred alongside the Friends alum in the 2009 fantasy-comedy 17 Again, where she played his teen daughter. And according to DailyMail.com, he made a big “impression” on her…
So when Perry tragically passed away in 2023, she was “rattled,” to say the least:
“Michelle was really rattled when Matthew died because she did not expect it. Even though he was troubled and struggled to stay sober, she just did not think it would happen. And she was devastated. It was hard for her because she knew Matthew when she was so young, he made an impression on her.”
Oof. Who else needs a tissue?! If that didn’t make you tear up, just wait ‘til this next part…
According to the insider, Matthew’s premature death at just 54 years old made the Buffy the Vampire Slayer star feel as though death was “just around the corner” for ANYONE — including her if she “was not careful”:
The death of a loved one can obviously bring up thoughts of one’s own mortality — but so can losing a meaningful acquaintance or an admired celebrity. These things can hit us so much harder than we’re prepared for.
And for Michelle, mortality was an issue staring her in the face amid scary health issues. As we now know, the Gossip Girl alum reportedly suffered from complications after privately receiving a liver transplant in recent months. Rejection of the transplant or other issues may have contributed to her death. But she was afraid even before going under the knife. The insider continued:
“Matthew’s death was on her mind frequently. So when she went in for surgery for her liver, she thought she might be next. She had expressed that she feared she would die after signing all those releases at the hospital, you know, all those ‘in the event that you die’ papers that freak everyone out.”
Oof. A friend did say she spoke to her in the hospital… and that was what Michelle was thinking about the surgery. So INCREDIBLY heartbreaking. Ugh. It just gets harder with each new detail that surfaces…
What are your reactions to this news, Perezcious readers?