“Heroes,” “Nashville” and “Scream 4” star Hayden Panettiere has died, the actress reportedly passing away at the age of just 36, according to an ABC News report (via THR)
Her representative has issued a statement to the outlet saying: “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen.”
Details about the cause of death are unknown at this time.
Born in Palisades, New York in August 1989, she first appeared on screen as a child in soaps like “One Life to Live” and “Guiding Light”. By age 9 she had scored roles in films like “A Bug’s Life” and “The Object of My Affection” and over the next few years racked up parts in films like “Dinosaur,” “Message in a Bottle,” “Remember the Titans,” “The Affair of the Necklace,” “Joe Somebody,” “Ice Princess,” and “Bring It On: All or Nothing”.
She scored recurring roles on “Ally McBeal” and “Malcolm in the Middle” akong with plenty of guest-starring roles. She really broke through in 2006 at ages 16-17, being cast as the cheerleader Claire Bennet in the NBC series “Heroes” and served in that role across all four seasons along with returning for the ‘Reborn’ revival.
She found major new gigs, playing the title character in the film “I Love You, Beth Cooper,” the lead role of Red Puckett in “Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil,” and playing Amanda Knox in a telemovie. In 2012, she had big success as Juliette Barnes in “Nashville,” a role she played across six seasons.
She also became a fan favourite for her role as Kirby Reed in “Scream 4,” the character popular enough to be revived in the fifth and sixth films. She also lends her voice to the role of Kairi in the “Kingdom Hearts” game franchise, and both voiced and starred as the lead in the acclaimed slasher game “Until Dawn” in 2015.
Earlier this year Panettiere released a candid memoir dealing with her growing up as a child star, battles with addiction, postpartum depression and more.
She is survived by her daughter, Kaya. Her younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, died in 2023 of aortic valve complications.
