Robert Benton

Sep 28, 1932 - May 10, 2025

Manhattan, IL

The three-time Oscar-winning director and screenwriter Robert Benton passed away at the age of 92. Born in Waxahachie, Texas, Robert Douglas Benton received a BFA at the University of Texas. Later, he earned his master's degree at Columbia University with the aim of becoming a painter. Though the legendary director tried to support himself as a cartoonist, that did not work well for him. This led him to land a job as an assistant to the art director at Esquire. In 1954, Benton was drafted a...Read More

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Michelle Trachtenberg

Oct 10, 1985 - Feb 25, 2025

Manhattan, IL

"Gossip Girl" actress Michelle Trachtenberg tragically passed away at the age of 39. Born in 1985 in New York City and raised in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, her first credited role came when she was only 9 years of age. She started her career with the classic 1990s Nickelodeon series, titled "The Adventures of Pete and Pete," in which she played a quirky gal-pal Nona F. Mecklenberg. She escalated on to star in a number of kid-oriented shows and movies, making her film debut in 1996's "Harriet the Spy," in which she portrayed the title character. With time, she effortlessly pivoted to more mature acting fare, including a three-year period playing "Dawn Summers," the sister of Buffy – an eponymous vampire-slaying protagonist, and calculating as well as manipulative antagonist Georgina Sparks on "Gossip Girl," which ran for good six seasons. She was a philanthrope at heart, and one of her philanthropic efforts included her work in 2013 with STOMP Out Bullying's Blue Shirt Day, World Day of Bullying Prevention. This is where she recorded a public service announcement for the organization. She had a liver transplant months prior to her passing. The cause of her sudden demise is reported to be natural causes. Trachtenberg leaves behind a legacy of kindness, bravery, and dedication.

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