‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville’ Star Hayden Panettiere Dead at 36
Actress Hayden Panettiere, the former child star who became a household name through major roles in “Heroes” and “Nashville,” has died at the age of 36. Her family confirmed her death Sunday.
Panettiere was found unresponsive at an apartment complex in Greenville, South Carolina, shortly before 2 p.m. Sunday after an acquaintance called 911. Authorities have not announced a cause of death, and the investigation remains ongoing. Police said their preliminary investigation had not uncovered signs of foul play, and an autopsy was planned.
Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed the devastating news in a statement, describing his daughter as an incredible light who brought enormous joy to the people who knew her and the millions who followed her career.
Panettiere spent virtually her entire life in entertainment. She began appearing in commercials when she was still a baby before landing childhood roles on the soap operas “One Life to Live” and “Guiding Light.” She later appeared in films including “Remember the Titans,” “Raising Helen,” “Racing Stripes” and “Ice Princess.”
Her breakthrough came in 2006 when she was cast as Claire Bennet on NBC’s “Heroes.” Panettiere played the seemingly indestructible cheerleader at the center of the superhero drama, turning her into one of television’s most recognizable young actresses.
She later found another major television role as troubled country music star Juliette Barnes on “Nashville.” Her performance earned her two Golden Globe nominations, and Panettiere performed her own music as part of the series.
Panettiere also became well known to horror fans for playing Kirby Reed in the “Scream” franchise. After appearing in “Scream 4,” she eventually returned to the role in “Scream VI.” Her most recent film was the 2026 psychological thriller “Sleepwalker.”
Away from the screen, Panettiere openly discussed some of the most difficult periods of her life. Her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” was released just three months before her death and detailed her experiences with addiction, postpartum depression, domestic abuse and the intense pressures she faced growing up in Hollywood.
Panettiere also endured the sudden death of her younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, in 2023 at just 28 years old. She had spoken publicly about the devastating impact his death had on her and her efforts to move forward following the loss.
Panettiere is survived by her daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with former fiancé and heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko, as well as her parents. Her death just days before what would have been her 37th birthday brings an unexpectedly early end to a career that stretched from childhood television to some of the most recognizable shows and films of her generation.