Celebrities are paying their respects to Hayden Panettiere, the actress known for her roles in “Nashville” and “Heroes,” who passed away on Sunday at the age of 36.
While the cause of her death has not been disclosed, her father expressed to ABC News on Sunday: “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.”
Actor Viola Davis offered a heartfelt tribute to Panettiere on Instagram. Davis and her husband, Julius Tennon, acted alongside Panettiere in the 2016 courtroom drama “Custody.”
“What an amazing talent you were….so gifted,” Davis remarked. “Julius and I loved working with you….an old, wise soul with such a deep heart. I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming. I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy. You will be remembered. Rest well, Hayden. Sending healing prayers to your family, your daughter, and all who loved you. May they always speak your name.”
Panettiere’s close friend and “One Tree Hill” actress Bethany Joy Lenz shared a detailed reflection on social media, accompanied by photos of their time together over the years.
“I’m crushed,” Lenz shared. “I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between blocking and camera rehearsals. Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else’s. Her intelligence was astonishing. She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I’d ever seen on camera. And she’d sit with you for a great conversation, then giggle and go play.”
She continued, “We’d connect on and off over the years, like the cousin in the family reunion who got famous and life moved her away—but I always felt such joy seeing her when we were lucky enough to cross paths. We’d make a pact to talk soon. Lunch. Dinner. Somewhere we could curl up into a corner—but we never quite made it happen. I mostly stayed up to date through mutual friends.”
Lenz concluded: “I don’t understand how this is real. Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surrounded by love. I’m sorry for every moment I didn’t reach out or check in. This can’t be real.”
“Rest in peace sweet Hayden,” expressed Melissa Barrera, Panettiere’s “Scream 6” co-star, on her Instagram Story.
Jay Shetty commented on Variety‘s Instagram post regarding the news: “I can’t believe it. Our friendship had just begun and I was so moved by the conversation we shared earlier this year. My love and condolences to her family and fans.”
Selma Blair posted, “I love you. Don’t be gone. Please.”
Singer JoJo added, “I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Oh My God.”
