MANILA, Philippines — Hayden Panettiere, the actress who became a familiar face on television through US series such as “Heroes” and “Nashville” after starting her career as a child performer, has died at 36.
Panettiere’s representative confirmed her death to ABC News. Her father, Skip Panettiere, described her as a powerful presence whose life brought joy to both her loved ones and the millions who followed her career.
“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,” Skip Panettiere said in a statement.
He asked the public to respect the family’s privacy as they grieve.
The circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death, including the cause, had not been disclosed as of publication. TMZ, citing sources with direct knowledge, reported that Panettiere died Sunday (Monday in Manila). The entertainment outlet also reported that she had traveled from Los Angeles to the South with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, the previous day.
A source close to the actress separately told TMZ that Panettiere had complained of back pain during the past year. The report did not indicate whether the condition was related to her death.
Panettiere's career spanned more than three decades. She began working as a child, appearing in commercials and television productions before moving into film and earning an early breakthrough as Sheryl Yoast in the 2000 sports drama “Remember the Titans,” opposite Denzel Washington.
Her profile grew significantly with “Heroes,” where she played Claire Bennet, a high school cheerleader with regenerative abilities. The series became a television hit and turned Panettiere into one of the most recognizable young actresses of the late 2000s.
She followed that success with “Nashville,” playing Juliette Barnes, a talented but troubled country music star navigating fame, relationships and personal struggles. Her performance earned her multiple award nominations during the show's run from 2012 to 2018.
Her other film credits included “Raising Helen,” “Ice Princess,” “Bring It On: All or Nothing” and “Scream 4.” She later reprised her role as Kirby Reed in “Scream VI,” returning to the franchise more than a decade after her first appearance in the series. She also provided the voice of a character in the video game “Until Dawn.”
Away from the screen, Panettiere became increasingly open about the difficulties that accompanied her rise to fame and her struggles as an adult.
Her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” published in May, revisited some of the most difficult chapters of her life, including her experiences with postpartum depression, addiction, motherhood and the pressures of growing up in the entertainment industry.
Panettiere is survived by her daughter, Kaya, whom she shares with former professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko.
