Several Hallmark stars shared heartwarming posts to honor their former colleagues after back-to-back sudden deaths.
As the New York Post reported on February 26, former “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star Michelle Trachtenberg died at the age of 39. In addition, on February 27, CNN reported that legendary actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home.
After news of the deaths emerged, Hallmark stars like “When Calls the Heart” guest star Melissa Gilbert and several others took to social media to share loving posts about their former colleagues.
Melissa Gilbert Sent Love & Prayers to the Families
On February 27, Gilbert shared a photo of Hackman on her Instagram page. In the caption, she wrote, “He was the best of the best. An inspiration. Every single performance.” Gilbert noted that Hackman nailed every style, genre, and performance. “An actor’s actor. His ability was what all actors should aspire to,” she added.
Gilbert added, “My love and prayers to his and his wife’s family and friends. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. #rip.”
After learning of Trachtenberg’s death, Gilbert posted a photo on Instagram showing her with Trachtenberg as a young child.
“Oh Michy…and we lived so close to one another…..my heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so… @michelletrachtenberg #ripsweetgirl,” Gilbert wrote.
Gilbert did not mention the project the photo came from. However, it may have been the 1996 movie “A Holiday for Love.” Both Gilbert and Trachtenberg had roles in the film. Gilbert played Emma Murphy and Trachtenberg played her daughter Noelle.
Hallmark Stars Admired & Adored Michelle Trachtenberg & Gene Hackman
Emilie DeRaven also shared a tribute to Trachtenberg on her Instagram page. The two starred together in Hallmark’s “The Reluctant Royal.”
“I don’t even have words really,” DeRaven began in her caption. She included a broken heart emoji as well as a crying emoji. Her caption continued, “Michelle… I love you… rest in love and peace and you will live in my heart forever my beautiful friend.”
DeRaven added, “My heart goes out to all who knew and love you as I was lucky enough to.”
“Hailey Dean Mysteries” alum Chad Lowe also acknowledged Trachtenberg’s death via an Instagram Story. “This is so sad. I had the pleasure of casting Michelle in my 1st film I directed. She was so talented and great to work with. My heart breaks for her family and friends. Gone way too soon.”
Schuyler Fisk of “The Chicken Sisters” posted a photo showing her with Trachtenberg in an Instagram Story. She wrote, “Shocked. Rest in peace you bright bright light.”
In addition, Nikki DeLoach took to her Instagram Stories to acknowledge Hackman’s death. She wrote, “I always said that Gene Hackman would play my dad in the story of his life. I couldn’t see his face and not think of my dad.”
DeLoach continued, “You were brilliant, Mr. Hackman. Thank you for the ways you reflected humanity back to us in every character, every story. Rest in peace.” DeLoach’s father died in August 2021.
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Hallmark Stars Pay Tribute to Beloved Colleagues After Heartbreaking Losses