Actress, singer and former child star Hayden Panettiere has died at 36, her father Skip confirmed to ABC News.
Her death was announced on August 16, with her family remembering her as an “incredible light” who brought joy to those around her. Her cause of death has not been disclosed.
The full statement read: “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.”
Varied career
Panettiere leaves behind a career spanning more than three decades.
She began appearing in commercials as an infant before becoming a familiar face on television through “One Life to Live and Guiding Light”.
Her early film work included “A Bug’s Life”, in which she voiced Dot, as well as “Remember the Titans”, “Dinosaur”, “Joe Somebody”, “Tiger Cruise”, “Racing Stripes”, “Ice Princess”, “Bring It On: All or Nothing”, “Raising Helen”, and “I Love You, Beth Cooper”.
Breakthrough role in ‘Heroes’
Her breakthrough came with NBC’s “Heroes”, where she portrayed Claire Bennet, a teenager with regenerative abilities. The performance earned her a Saturn Award and a Teen Choice Award.
She later starred as country singer Juliette Barnes in “Nashville”, a role that brought two Golden Globe nominations and allowed her to showcase her singing abilities.
Panettiere also became widely recognised in horror through “Scream 4” and later “Scream VI”, reprising her role as Kirby Reed.
Other credits included “Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy”, “Custody”, “Alpha and Omega”, “Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil”, and video-game projects including “Kingdom Hearts” and “Until Dawn”. Her final acting credit was the 2026 psychological thriller “Sleepwalker”.
Beyond acting, Panettiere released music associated with “Nashville” and published her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning” in 2026.
Tributes following her death have described her as a remarkable and deeply talented performer whose work touched audiences across generations.
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