Michelle Trachtenberg had plans to appear at a SXSW benefit screening before her tragic death

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg was slated to appear at a benefit screening in Texas next month for her final film before her tragic death at 39, according to reports. The “Gossip Girl” star, who was found dead at her ritzy Manhattan apartment Wednesday morning, had plans to make a public appearance at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, where her documentary “Spyral” is showing on March 12, the film’s producer, Jennifer Hutchins, told People. Hutchins said she was aware of Trachtenberg’s health issues, adding that the actress was either attending the gala – which will support mental health charities – in person or virtually, the outlet reported.“There was no public announcement planned as we knew it would be a last minute decision if she was up for it,” Hutchins said, adding that the “Harriet the Spy” actress finished her voice work for the film in 2021.The film was released last year following delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, TMZ reported. In her final film credit, the “Ice Princess” star reads excerpts from the diary of Randall White’s late wife Michelle Cody White, who suffered from undiagnosed bipolar depression prior to her death. “I am so saddened by the loss of Michelle,” Hutchins told People in a statement, explaining that she felt the actress was an advocate for mental health awareness. “She was so connected to this story and the late Michelle Cody White.I could really tell it hit her in her own heart as she took breaks during voice over recordings to wipe her tears away as she was giving her everything to the moment,” she continued.“When you watch this movie, you can hear the real trembling in Michelle’s voice as she was reading excerpts from Michelle Cody White’s diaries and journals.”Hutchins remembered the former child actress as a sweet person who was easy to talk to, loved her cat, and enthusiastically shared stories, calling her an “inspiration.”“She’s just one of those people that...