Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
Her father described her as a remarkable presence who brought immense happiness and love to everyone fortunate enough to know her, sharing the heartfelt tribute in a statement to PEOPLE.
Hayden Panettiere has died at the age of 36. Her representative confirmed the news in a statement issued on behalf of her father, Alan Panettiere, who expressed the family’s deep grief over her passing.
Her father remembered the actress as a vibrant and powerful presence whose kindness and energy brought tremendous happiness to those around her, as well as to the millions of people who watched her work on screen. Panettiere died Sunday, Aug. 16. Authorities have not publicly announced an official cause of death, and details surrounding the circumstances remain under investigation.
Panettiere began working professionally as a child, launching her television career in 1994 with a role on ABC’s One Life to Live. She later appeared on CBS’ Guiding Light, returning to the soap for several years after her initial stint.
Her film career began when she was 9 years old. She provided the narration and voiced Princess Dot in Pixar’s animated film A Bug’s Life. She went on to gain wider recognition as the young daughter of assistant football coach Bill Yoast in the 2000 sports drama Remember the Titans.
As she grew older, Panettiere continued building an extensive résumé across television and film. Her early credits included appearances on Ally McBeal and Malcolm in the Middle, along with movies such as Tiger Cruise, Ice Princess and Bring It On: All or Nothing.
Her major breakthrough arrived in 2006 when she was cast as Claire Bennet on NBC’s Heroes. Panettiere portrayed a high school cheerleader with the extraordinary ability to heal herself, a role that quickly turned her into an international star. After the series concluded in 2010, she appeared in films including Scream 4 and later returned as Kirby Reed in 2023’s Scream 6.
From 2012 through 2018, Panettiere played country music star Juliette Barnes on ABC’s musical drama Nashville, appearing alongside Connie Britton throughout the show’s six-season run. Her performance earned her widespread recognition and two Golden Globe nominations.
Panettiere eventually returned to the big screen with Scream 6. Her later credits included Amber Alert in 2024 and A Breed Apart in 2025. Her final film, Sleepwalker, was released in theaters in January 2026, according to PEOPLE.
Beyond acting, Panettiere also pursued music during her entertainment career, adding another dimension to her work as a performer.
Throughout her life, Panettiere was also open about many of the personal challenges she faced. Her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, published in May 2026, offered a candid look at her experiences and personal journey.
