Actress Hayden Panettiere has died aged 36. Her representatives confirmed the news in a statement released on August 17.
The star of the hit series Heroes and Nashville has been remembered as “an incredible light and force of nature” as tributes roll in for the late star.
Panettiere rose to fame in the TV series Heroes, before landing roles in Nashville, Scream 4 and the Bring It On series. Getty
Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde star Selma Blair, who was a close friend of Panettiere’s, left a comment on her final social media post from two weeks ago.
“I love you. Don’t be gone. Don’t be gone. Please. Please,” she wrote.
“I love you whale tail my friend,” she added.
“I’m dying. Please be here.”
While the pair never starred together in a project, they are said to have run in similar social circles in Los Angeles.
Just a few months ago, Panettiere appeared on the Jay Shetty podcast for a wide-ranging discussion about growing up in the spotlight, battling addiction and postpartum depression.
In the comments section of an Instagram post by Variety announcing the news of Panettiere’s death, Shetty shared his shock.
“I can’t believe it. Our friendship had just begun and I was so moved by the conversation we shared earlier this year,” he wrote.
“My love and condolences to her family and fans.”
Her Scream co-star David Arquette also commented underneath the post, writing: “I love you Hayden.”
Arquette attended a horror convention with Panettiere in February.
Panettiere opened up on Jay Shetty’s podcast just months ago. Getty
Famed Leave (Get Out) singer Jojo also took to the social media platform to remember the star, writing on her Instagram story: “This is such devastating news. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Oh my god.”
Scream co-star Melissa Barrera also took to Instagram with a tribute for Panettiere, writing “Rest in peace sweet Hayden.”
Panettiere publicly supported Barrera after she was axed from Scream 7 over social media posts relating to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Panettiere called her co-stars axing “very unfair and upsetting.”
The SAG-AFTRA Actors union also issues a statement, writing: “We join in mourning the sudden passing of Hayden Panettiere.”
Scream co-star Melissa Barrera also took to Instagram with a tribute for Panettiere, writing “Rest in peace sweet Hayden.” nna\chantelle.bozicevic
“Starting as a child actor, Hayden’s long career in TV and film included memorable roles in ‘Heroes,’ ‘Nashville’ and more. Our hearts are with her daughter, family, friends and fans. May she RIP.”
Marvel actor Jeremy Renner wrote: “Bless you and your family.”
7th Heaven actress Beverley Mitchell paid tribute to Panettiere underneath the Nashville star’s last Instagram post.
“Praying the news is wrong! You are such a bright light and soooo loved,” she wrote.
Rosie O’Donnell shared a photo of the Bring it On star to her Instagram with the caption “Oh my god – heartbroken.”
News of Panettiere’s death was shared in a statement given to multiple US outlets by her father, Skip Panettiere.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” he said.
“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.”
The former childhood star rose to fame in the 2000s. Getty
At the time of publishing, a cause of death has not been released.
Panettiere began her acting career at just four years old, becoming best known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville.
She had largely stepped back from the public eye, aside from a 2023 role in Scream VI, before releasing her memoir May 12, 2026.