Youth in Entertainment: Major Minors on the Rise: Michelle Trachtenberg by David Lott

From Daily Variety - March 12th, 1999

When actress Michelle Trachtenberg turned 13 on the set of her latest film, "Inspector Gadget," she realized the cast was not just helping her celebrate a double-digit birthday, they were acknowledging her 10 years in front of the camera.

"I love acting," Trachtenberg declares. "This is what I want to do for the rest of my life."

While most of the preteen population spends their formative years sitting in front of TV and movie screens, Trachtenberg has worked on building an impressive resume of television and film credits.

At the age of 3, she landed her first commercial, spilling cranberry juice on cue for Wisk detergent. Since then, Trachtenberg has appeared in more than 100 national spots.

"I have always been a hard worker," she says. "I don't like to take breaks. I learned from my mom. She's my greatest encourager and a little bit of a perfectionist, which I love. She has taught me to have a great outlook on life."

Trachtenberg's commercial success, literally, soon led her to recurring roles on such series as "Clarissa Explains It All," Nickelodeon's witty and twisted comedy "The Adventures of Pete & Pete" and the daytime drama "All My Children."

In 1996, she was given the Hollywood stamp of approval: the title role in the film "Harriet the Spy," opposite Rosie O'Donnell.

Trachtenberg's work outside of Hollywood also keeps her firmly attached to the real world. She is an ambassador for the anti-drug organization RAD Kids and regularly donates time to Care America. Last summer, she met President Clinton at a meeting for the Coalition for a Drug-Free America.

Trachtenberg also interacts directly with teens on her fan Web site with regular online chats. The site features trivia about her as well as some of her own stories and poems.

Besides her industry accomplishments and charity work, she remains a normal kid who loves to see movies with friends and take improvisational dance classes. And, instead of relying on set tutors, she always has gone to "real" schools. In September, she will attend a private high school.

But, for Trachtenberg, acting is her passion.

"It's wonderful to be recognized for my work," she says. "One day I'd like to win an Oscar. But, I tell my mom if I ever get to be rude and demanding to let me know and I'll stop it. I don't want to be an actor like that."