The cast of Heroes got together in numbers to celebrate the life of their late co-star, Hayden Panettiere, who died August 16 at the age of 36.
Panettiere’s turn as Claire Bennett — the high school cheerleader with the power to heal herself — was one of her most recognizable roles. She appeared in more episodes than any other character across the show’s highly successful, four-season run from 2006 to 2009.
“A Heroes reunion to celebrate the life of HAYDEN was deeply emotional,” Jimmy Jean-Louis — who played René (AKA “The Haitian”) in the NBC series — shared on X alongside two photos of the cast gathering.
“There was sadness in our hearts, but also so much love, gratitude, and warmth as we remembered the beautiful moments shared and the lasting impact of a life that touched so many. Au revoir Hayden.”
Masi Oka, Greg Grunberg, Sendhil Ramamurthy, and Jack Coleman, who played the father of Pattettiere’s character Claire Bennett, were among the cast members visible in the photos.
The reunion comes after a number of the Heroes cast paid tribute to Panettiere on social media.
Coleman wrote on Instagram: “I love you, Hayden. I’ll miss you. I’m so sorry you suffered. I’ll remember how happy you were on set and on the European press tour; how you championed Tess when she was being bullied; your commitment to animal welfare and the courage to put yourself in harm’s way to protect them. I only wish you had been given that same protection.”
Masi Oka, who played Hiro Nakamura — a Japanese office worker who can manipulate time and space — wrote on X: “Absolutely heartbroken to hear about Hayden. I had the privilege of working closely with her, and I’ll always remember her for her beautiful spirit, immense talent, and the joyful energy she brought to everything she did and the people around her.
“She was way wiser beyond her years and now gone too soon… My heart goes out to her family and everyone who loved her. Rest in peace, Hayden.”
Panettiere was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16. Although an autopsy found no signs of trauma, her official cause of death remains pending.
The actor became a mother in December 2014, when she and former fiancé, Ukrainian heavyweight boxer Wladimir Klitschko, welcomed their daughter, Kaya. Panettiere later gave Klitschko full custody of Kaya in 2018 while she was struggling with addiction and postpartum depression.
She spoke about the decision again in 2022, telling Facebook Watch’s Red Table Talk podcast that signing the papers was “the most heartbreaking thing I’ve ever had to do in my life.”
On August 21, Klitschko marked what would have been Panettiere’s 37th birthday with a post on Instagram.
“Instead of celebrating the way we had planned, today we celebrate her life, her spirit, and the love she brought into this world,” he wrote.
“If you’re reading this, I ask just one thing: even if only for a moment, think about LOVE. Reach out to a friend. Forgive someone. Be kind. Love is a superpower. Use it.”
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