Los Angeles, March 19, 2025 – Actress Mara Wilson has opened up about the emotional challenges her late friend and fellow child star Michelle Trachtenberg faced, revealing a poignant story of bullying during their youth. In a heartfelt essay for Vulture, published on March 18, 2025, and highlighted by Entertainment Weekly, Wilson, known for Matilda, recalled Trachtenberg confiding in her about being bullied at middle school, where peers cruelly nicknamed her “Harriet the Slut” and “Harriet the Bitch,” referencing her role in the 1996 film Harriet the Spy.
Mara Wilson, who remembers fellow child star Michelle Trachtenberg as ‘never anything but warm and kind,’ says the ‘Harriet the Spy’ star cried to her over being bullied as a girl. https://t.co/2EKa9ReSfp
— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) March 18, 2025
Wilson, who described Trachtenberg as “never anything but warm and kind,” shared that the Buffy the Vampire Slayer star tearfully expressed her pain during their time together as child actors. The revelation comes in the wake of Trachtenberg’s unexpected death on February 26, 2025, at age 39, prompting Wilson to reflect on their deep bond and the pressures of fame at a young age.
According to Wilson’s essay, both actresses faced their own struggles with bullying and the harsh scrutiny that often accompanies child stardom. Wilson admitted to experiencing similar mistreatment during high school, targeted for her acting career and awkward teenage years. The People article further noted that Trachtenberg’s career began at age three, with roles in All My Children and The Adventures of Pete & Pete, before her breakout as Harriet.
Wilson’s tribute underscores the lasting impact of their friendship and the shared challenges of navigating fame. Fans have responded with an outpouring of sympathy, celebrating Trachtenberg’s legacy while mourning the loss of a beloved star. As the entertainment industry continues to grapple with the pressures on young performers, Wilson’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the hidden struggles behind the spotlight.
