US actress Hayden Panettiere, known internationally for her performances in Heroes and Nashville, has died at the age of 36.
Her death was confirmed by a representative to ABC News on Sunday.
In a statement released on behalf of the family, her father, Skip Panettiere, described his daughter as an extraordinary presence whose life brought happiness to those around her.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” he said, remembering her as “an incredible light and a force of nature.”
The family also asked for privacy as they come to terms with what her father described as an “unimaginable loss.” No cause of death has been announced.
A Career That Began in Childhood
Panettiere entered the entertainment industry at a young age, initially appearing in television soap operas before establishing herself as a prominent young actress.
One of her early major film roles came in the 2000 sports drama Remember the Titans, in which she appeared alongside Denzel Washington.
She also lent her voice to the character Dot in the 1998 animated film A Bug’s Life.
Her early success eventually led to roles that would make her a familiar face to television and movie audiences around the world.
Breakthrough Came With Heroes
Panettiere became a household name after being cast as Claire Bennet in the NBC superhero series Heroes.
The character, a high school cheerleader with the ability to regenerate from injuries, became one of the show’s most recognizable figures. Panettiere’s performance helped establish her as one of the most prominent young stars of the series.
She later took on another career-defining role in the country music drama Nashville, playing aspiring singer Juliette Barnes for six seasons.
Film Roles Included Scream Franchise
Alongside her television work, Panettiere built a film career that included both comedy and horror.
Her credits included Raising Helen and Bring It On: All or Nothing, while she also appeared in the Scream franchise as Kirby Reed.
The character became particularly significant for fans of the horror series after Panettiere returned as Kirby in Scream VI, years after her original appearance in Scream 4.
Actress Was Open About Personal Struggles
Behind her success, Panettiere also faced significant personal challenges during her rise to fame.
The actress previously spoke publicly about struggling with addiction during her 20s, as well as the pressures that accompanied growing up in the entertainment industry.
Earlier this year, she addressed some of the most difficult periods of her life in a memoir, discussing her mental health struggles and the devastating death of her younger brother, Jansen.
Difficult Family Decisions
Panettiere also wrote about her daughter and the decision to give full custody to her former partner, Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko.
Her memoir offered a deeply personal account of the experiences that shaped her life away from the cameras, giving readers insight into the challenges she faced while navigating fame, family and her own wellbeing.
A Legacy Remembered by Millions
While Panettiere’s personal battles became part of her public story, her family emphasized the joy and impact she brought to others.
Her father said her influence extended far beyond those who knew her personally, noting that millions of viewers had watched her work onscreen.
As fans remember her performances in Heroes, Nashville, Scream and numerous other projects, Panettiere leaves behind a career that began in childhood and made her one of the recognizable faces of her generation.
