THE NEW GIRL IN SUNNYDALE

from TheWB.com, September 2000

She's cute, she's sweet, she's ready to kick some demon butt! Michelle Trachtenberg is the newest addition to the Scooby Gang on the new season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Michelle is best known for her role in Harriet The Spy, but this teen's resume includes roles in movies, TV shows, soaps and a number of commercials. Aside from her acting career, Michelle is also active in R.A.D.D., DARE America, the Starlight Foundation and many other organizations and charities.

TheWB.com: Without giving anything away, what can you tell me about your part on Buffy?
Michelle: I play Dawn, a typical 14-year-old girl. She and Buffy have a sisterly relationship and she has a little crush on Xander - and that's all I can really say.

TheWB.com: I know you're already in production, what is it like on the set?
Michelle: It's really fun! Whenever you walk on to a set, especially one that's established, you have some worries. I've worked with Sarah before so I knew how wonderful she is - it's a close family and I was welcomed with open arms, it was really comforting.

TheWB.com: Did you watch Buffy before you got this part?
Michelle: Oh yeah, I am a really huge fan! I'm like Little Miss Buffy encyclopedia, I could probably answer just about any question about the show. I used to try to think of scenarios where I could guest-star on the show. Being on the show is amazing!

TheWB.com: What is the one thing you'd love to do while you're on the show?
Michelle: Everyone has promised me my share of bloody spars, so that's something to look forward to. Joss is so amazing, whatever he creates will be great. One day I asked how he came up with all the demons and he said, "I just make them up."

TheWB.com: You've done TV, commercials, soaps and movies - which was the hardest?
Michelle: Some movies are harder some are easier but nothing is excruciatingly hard. I love what I do, so none of it is that bad. When you ask a kid what they want to be when they grow up, they'll say a vet or a fireman, I get to be anything through acting. It's a dream job -

TheWB.com: Which do you like best?
Michelle: I love all of them. I think Buffy is fabulous because within one episode you laugh and cry and want to throw your shoe at a monster on the screen. When an actor can evoke an emotional response from the audience you know that they're great.

TheWB.com: What is the most surprising thing about you?
Michelle: I don't know - I guess there are many things that would surprise people that I can't think of right now. A lot of kids don't like school but I think education is really important, it's the most important thing in my life, it's my first priority.

TheWB.com: Do you think you managed to have a normal childhood despite the fact that you were a working actor?
Michelle: Definitely! I think the words "child actor" are often synonymous with bad things, there are so many bad stories. I'm really lucky to be surrounded by people that love and support me. If you don't believe in yourself and work hard you can't achieve anything, you have to believe in your actions. I have a very normal life. I hang out with my friends all the time, I go to regular school and if I'm here in LA my friends come and visit the set while I'm working.

TheWB.com: What is the strangest "Hollywood" moment you've ever had?
Michelle: I guess I'd say walking on the red carpet my first time, my first press junket was pretty interesting too. There's an adjustment period when everything starts happening but there hasn't really been anything too weird.

TheWB.com: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Michelle: Acting - if there's anyone who wants a break it's my mom, this is so fun for me. It's such and amazing feeling being in front of the camera, I never get tired of it. Eventually I want to go to college and do movies in the summer like Clare Danes.

TheWB.com: What is the most important piece of advice you've ever gotten?
Michelle: Like I said before believe in yourself, if you don't you can't accomplish anything. It's important to know that you can achieve something. The keys to my success are having people around who love and encourage me.