Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her role as Harriet in Harriet the Spy, opens up about her experiences growing up, her roles on screen, and her journey as an actress. In an interview, she shares insights into her career, thoughts on keeping a diary, and her personal growth through the years.

Trachtenberg describes her character, Harriet, as a young, independent girl with a passion for writing. Harriet dreams of being a writer when she grows up and is very much her own person, doing things in her unique way. She connects with the character, saying she saw a lot of herself in Harriet, especially since they both shared a love for writing and reading. Harriet keeps a diary, which she describes as a way to express her thoughts privately without revealing them to the world. She humorously mentions that she would keep her diary locked up with a heavy-duty lock to ensure no one could snoop into it.

In addition to discussing her role in Harriet the Spy, Trachtenberg reflects on her early acting career. She shares that the experience of working on special effects-heavy projects, such as using gadgets on set, was incredibly exciting. She talks about how, on her first big movie with special effects, it was fun to see new creations like hands and body parts on the table each day.

The actress also touches on her time working with her co-stars, particularly Sarah Michelle Gellar, with whom she shares a close bond. Trachtenberg mentions that Gellar felt like a “real sister” to her, both on and off the set, and their friendship was essential to her. Trachtenberg felt grateful to have Gellar’s support, highlighting how special it was to work with someone who was not only professional but also a wonderful person inside and out.

Looking back at her high school years, Trachtenberg opens up about her own personal struggles. She shares how she wasn’t rebellious like some of her peers, but rather focused on her work and studies. She admits that she didn’t have many friends and often spent time alone, feeling the sting of being an outsider. However, her sister’s encouraging words, “whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” helped her navigate those tough years. She believes these formative experiences helped her become stronger as a person.

In the later part of the interview, Trachtenberg discusses her role in Killing Kennedy, a film based on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. She describes the film as a deeply American story, focusing on characters like Marina Oswald, who was an underappreciated figure in history. Trachtenberg was drawn to the role because Marina was a “quiet hero” in the tragic events surrounding her husband, Lee Harvey Oswald.

Another important project Trachtenberg is proud of is Meet Mary Murder, a true crime series where she not only served as an executive producer but also hosted and narrated. She speaks passionately about the series, stating that it honors the lives of those lost and that she wanted to create a project that she herself would want to watch, as she’s a true crime fan. Her dedication to the project and the people it seeks to honor is clear in her words.

Throughout the interview, Trachtenberg reflects on her journey, both in her career and in life. From a young girl growing up in the public eye to a seasoned actress with a growing body of work, Michelle Trachtenberg has certainly made her mark.