Talking with Michelle Trachtenberg by Beau Papazis, Christie Kummers and Jennifer Randazzo, Kidsday Staff Reporters, ages 11

From Newsday Nassau and Suffolk - July 10th, 1996

We interviewed 10-year-old actress Michelle Trachtenberg in Manhattan recently. She stars as the wild and cool Nona on Nickelodeon's "The Adventures of Pete & Pete," and plays Harriet in the movie "Harriet the Spy" (see review below). Michelle said he enjoyed playing Harriet because she was crazy, brave and a fun character.

Q. How old were you when you started your first acting job?

A. I was three years old. I was doing print modeling like posters for Kids 'R' Us. I did a few commercials, but I was actually five when I did television and movies.

Q. What do you do in your spare time?

A. Hang out with friends, watch TV, write stories and read.

Q. Where do you live now that you're in show business?

A. I've always lived in the same place - Brooklyn.

Q. Do you have any brothers or sisters, and do you still live with them?

A. I have a 17-year-old sister. We used to share a room, but now we don't because she needs her privacy.

Write to Michelle c/o Nickelodeon, 1515 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10036.

We went to see a preview of Nickelodeon Movies' "Harriet the Spy" in Manhattan recently. This movie is based on the best-selling novel by Louise Fitzhugh. Michelle Trachtenberg plays Harriet, a 12-year-old girl who wants to be a writer when she grows up. She spends her day disguised in a spy outfit, looking at the world around her and writing down everything she sees in her secret spy notebook. Rosie O'Donnell plays Golly, Harriet's beloved nanny and teacher.

"Harriet the Spy" is highly recommended by all of us. It has an excellent script, a great soundtrack and was very entertaining. We think everyone can relate to what Harriet goes through, such as being made fun of because she's different, and learning the difference between being cruel and being truthful. This movie also shows the importance of being yourself, and not just following the crowd.

Michelle is excellent in her role as Harriet and you'll love Rosie in her role, too. We really enjoyed this movie and we think you will too. It's rated PG and opens in theaters today.