Actress Hayden Panettiere has died at 36. Known for her career spanning over three decades, she became a household name with her breakout role as Claire Bennett in the superhero series Heroes. Her work on television continued in the drama Nashville, where she played Juliette Barnes.
Panettiere worked extensively in film as well. She appeared in titles such as Remember the Titans, Racing Stripes, and the horror franchise Scream, where she portrayed Kirby Reed. Her final performance was in the thriller Sleepwalker, released earlier this year. Beyond her on-screen presence, she was a voice actor for projects like A Bug's Life and the Kingdom Hearts video game series.
Representatives for the actress confirmed the news of her passing. A statement from her team noted the loss of an individual who brought joy to those who worked with her and those who watched her performances. While no cause of death is public, the news follows the loss of her brother, Jansen Panettiere, in 2023. She leaves behind a daughter.
Her career began before she was one year old in a television commercial. Over the following decades, she maintained a presence across various genres, including soap operas, dramas, and horror films. She was also recognized for her advocacy regarding environmental causes and spousal abuse prevention. Her family and friends are currently mourning her passing.