In the days following the passing of actress Michelle Trachtenberg, fans have come forward to pay tribute in heartfelt ways. Known for her roles in Harriet the Spy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Gossip Girl, Trachtenberg left an indelible mark on a generation. However, her portrayal of Casey Carlyle in the 2005 film Ice Princess resonated deeply with young figure skaters, many of whom credit her character for inspiring their passion for the sport. Through emotional tributes and personal stories, these individuals are honoring her memory while reflecting on how she influenced their lives.
A Tribute Through Ice and Memory
In the wake of Michelle Trachtenberg's untimely passing, figure skaters around the world have found solace in recreating scenes from Ice Princess. The film, which tells the story of a Harvard-bound teenager who chooses to pursue her dream of becoming a professional skater, has been a source of inspiration for many. One such skater, Ryan Dunk from Baltimore, recreated the opening scene of the movie on TikTok, where he skates to Aly and AJ’s song “No One,” gaining over 3.6 million views. For Dunk, this act was not just a tribute but a way to channel his emotions through movement and music.
The impact of Ice Princess extends far beyond the United States. Thita Lamsam, a 25-year-old skater from Thailand, watched the film as a child and was inspired to take up skating despite the lack of facilities in her country. She and her sister would mimic the movie’s routines on makeshift surfaces, using baby powder and socks as substitutes for ice. Now a student at Northwestern University in Chicago, Lamsam continues to skate and recently posted her own tribute to Trachtenberg on social media, expressing gratitude for the role the actress played in shaping her life.
Trachtenberg’s influence is also felt within the fan communities of her other notable works. HellmouthCon, an annual convention celebrating the Buffy the Vampire Slayer universe, plans to honor her at its upcoming event. Marsia Powers, president of Fandom Charities, emphasized the profound effect Trachtenberg had on fans, particularly during her time as Dawn Summers on Buffy. Her portrayal of the teenage sister resonated with many, offering a relatable depiction of adolescence and family dynamics. Powers highlighted the importance of addressing grief and loss, themes that are central to both the show and real-life experiences.
A Lasting Impact on Future Generations
Mitchell Trachtenberg’s legacy will undoubtedly endure through the lives she touched. Both Dunk and Lamsam expressed a desire to carry forward the lessons they learned from her characters—embracing passion, perseverance, and the courage to pursue dreams. As Dunk poignantly noted, Trachtenberg’s message about life being short and the importance of sharing love and art will continue to resonate with those who admired her work. In this way, she remains not only an ice princess but a timeless inspiration to all who knew her through her films and television shows.