Hayden Panettiere, celebrated for her performances in “Heroes” and the “Scream” series, passed away on Sunday. Her representative confirmed the news to ABC News, though the cause of her death has not been disclosed.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the tragic loss of our beloved Hayden. She was a remarkable presence and brought immense love and happiness to everyone around her, as well as to the millions who admired her on screen,” her representative shared with ABC.
Panettiere began her acting career in 1994 at the age of 5, featuring in soap operas such as “One Life to Live,” where she appeared in 27 episodes, and “Guiding Light,” with 45 episodes. She gained significant recognition in 2000 with her role in “Remember the Titans,” and in 2006, she became widely known for playing Claire Bennett in “Heroes,” appearing in 73 episodes of the NBC series.
Panettiere received two Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of Juliette Barnes in the series “Nashville,” where she starred in 128 episodes from 2012 to 2018.
In film, she is best remembered for her role as Kirby in 2011’s “Scream 4.” Her character became so popular that she was invited back for the 2023 sequel, “Scream VI.”
In May of this year, Panettiere released her first book, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” where she candidly shared experiences from her life in the public eye, including her challenging relationship with her mother and the abuse she faced in Hollywood.
Throughout her life, she was open about her struggles with alcohol and drugs. She attended a rehabilitation facility in 2020 and achieved sobriety. In 2023, she faced the unexpected loss of her younger brother Jansen, who died of a heart condition at 28. Reflecting on his death in 2024, she told People magazine, “When something that massive has happened to you, you really learn to pick your fights and just not let the little things upset you. Because once something so horrific, so deep, so catastrophic happens in your life, there’s not much that can really rock you.”
Following her interview with People, concerns were raised by fans regarding her slurred speech. Panettiere addressed these concerns on Instagram, explaining, “I hadn’t slept for two days prior to the shoot due to one of my dogs who was recovering from an emergency surgical procedure,” and responded to speculation about medication, saying, “I was exhausted. My rep stopped the interview early as it became obvious that I was fading — especially as the subject matter became heavier… Grief looks different on everyone. Whether or not I am on medication is none of anyone’s business and is between me and my doctor.”
She emphasized the importance of mental health awareness, stating, “Mental health is so important, and I hope those reading this now understand that what you say hiding behind a computer screen can have a detrimental impact on someone.”
