Okay, here’s a rewritten and expanded version of the article, aiming for at least 600 words, formatted with Markdown, and using clear English:

Mara Wilson Pens Heartfelt Tribute to Late Friend Michelle Trachtenberg

Mara Wilson, the actress best known for her role in "Matilda," has shared a deeply personal and moving tribute to her childhood friend, Michelle Trachtenberg, who tragically passed away last month at the age of 39. In an emotional essay published by Vulture, Wilson reflects on their shared experiences growing up in the spotlight, the challenges they faced, and the lasting impact Trachtenberg had on her life. The essay paints a portrait of Trachtenberg that goes beyond her public persona, revealing a kind, compassionate, and resilient young woman.

Wilson recounts their initial meeting at the 1997 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards. What struck her most wasn’t the glitz and glamour of the event, but Trachtenberg’s kindness towards a younger Jonathan Lipnicki, known for his role in "Jerry Maguire."

"She was being nice to him," Wilson writes. "Jonathan was five years younger than her, but she didn’t treat him like an annoyance. I knew so many older girls who were mean to younger kids, but she wasn’t, even when Jonathan was trying to slip an ice cube down the back of her shirt." This small act of kindness, observed at a bustling awards show, left a lasting impression on Wilson and foreshadowed the qualities she would continue to admire in Trachtenberg.

Their paths crossed again months later at the Audrey Hepburn Foundation’s Hollywood for Children charity film festival. Wilson remembers being captivated by Trachtenberg’s charm and charisma. "That’s where I would find out it wasn’t just me: Everybody fell in love with Michelle Trachtenberg," she affectionately recalls.

Wilson, who has become an outspoken advocate for child stars and the unique pressures they face, details how their connection deepened within a larger circle of young actors navigating the complexities of fame. This group included Trachtenberg’s "Harriet the Spy" co-star Vanessa Lee Chester, as well as Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Rider Strong, Mae Whitman, Raven-Symoné, and the sibling trio of Tia Mowry, Tamera Mowry, and Tahj Mowry. These shared experiences forged bonds between them, creating a support system in an often isolating environment.

The news of Trachtenberg’s death hit Wilson hard. "Last month, when I found out Michelle died, I was packing for a work trip. I looked at my phone and felt my stomach drop. My hands were shaking and my knees went weak – I thought I might pass out. I sat in a chair, and started to sob," she describes. The shock and grief are palpable in her words, highlighting the deep personal connection she felt with Trachtenberg.

Wilson expresses a profound sense of loss and regret. "This wasn’t supposed to happen. She was too young. She’d worked too hard. I always thought I would get the chance to see her again, to tell her how much I’d always looked up to her. To tell her the times we spent together as children were some of the best of my life."

The essay delves into the darker aspects of Trachtenberg’s experience, revealing the bullying she endured in school for being a successful actress. Despite her fame, she wasn’t immune to the petty jealousies and resentments that can plague young people.

Wilson recounts how, after seeing "less and less" of each other, Trachtenberg’s family moved to Burbank, California, and they unexpectedly ended up attending the same middle school. Wilson naively assumed that Trachtenberg would be popular and well-liked, but she soon discovered that wasn’t the case. "Surely, I thought, she’d be one of the beloved girls in school. But that didn’t happen," Wilson writes. "There was always a lot of resentment toward the kids who’d made it."

This experience highlighted the challenging paradox of being a child star: while publicly celebrated, they often faced isolation and animosity from their peers. Wilson poignantly illustrates the unique pressures they face, constantly striving to please an audience while also navigating the normal struggles of adolescence.

Shortly before Trachtenberg graduated in 1999, she shared a vulnerable moment with Wilson, confirming her fears about being targeted by peers. "They never stop," Trachtenberg reportedly told Wilson. "I had never seen Michelle cry before. I’d never seen her anything other than perfectly composed and confident," Wilson wrote. "It wasn’t just that she was being bullied; it was that there wasn’t any way she could get them not to hate her. So much of being a child actor is about making everyone happy. It felt cruelly ironic to be so hated when our raison d’être was getting people to like us." This conversation offered a rare glimpse into the emotional toll that early fame can take, stripping away the facade of perfection often projected by child stars.

Wilson’s essay is not just a tribute to a lost friend; it’s a powerful reflection on the complexities of childhood fame, the importance of kindness, and the enduring impact of shared experiences. It’s a reminder that even those who appear to have it all can face unexpected challenges and that genuine human connection is invaluable. The essay serves as a testament to Trachtenberg’s legacy, not just as a talented actress, but as a compassionate and resilient individual who touched the lives of those around her. Through Wilson’s heartfelt words, Trachtenberg’s memory will continue to inspire and resonate with readers. The piece leaves us contemplating the often hidden struggles behind the Hollywood glitz, urging greater empathy and understanding for those who navigate the unique path of being a child star.