Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in TV series such as “Heroes” and “Nashville,” has passed away at the age of 36. Her father, Skip, confirmed her death in a statement released to ABC News and The Guardian on Sunday.
The statement expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Hayden, describing her as a shining light who brought immense love and joy to those around her and her audience worldwide. Although the cause of death was not disclosed, Panettiere’s publicist did not respond immediately to inquiries from The Associated Press and CBC News.
Beginning her career as a child actor in commercials and soap operas, Panettiere rose to fame with her portrayal of a cheerleader with superpowers in “Heroes” in 2006. The series gained popularity with its captivating storyline centered around the phrase “Save the cheerleader, save the world.”
Panettiere’s success extended to winning three Teen Choice Awards for her role in “Heroes” and receiving a Grammy Award nomination for a children’s spoken word album following her appearance in the animated film “A Bug’s Life.”
Later on, she starred as a spirited country singer alongside Connie Britton in “Nashville,” which aired on ABC for four seasons before being picked up by CMT. Her musical talents shone through in the show, leading to several hits on the country charts and earning her two supporting actress Golden Globe nominations.
Tragically, Panettiere’s younger brother, Jansen, a fellow actor, passed away in 2023 due to a heart condition at the age of 28. Throughout her life, Hayden had been vocal about her battles with alcohol addiction and depression, especially following the birth of her daughter in 2014 with former boxer Wladimir Klitschko.
In a recent interview, Panettiere discussed the custody arrangement for her 11-year-old daughter, who resides full-time with Klitschko in Ukraine. She clarified misconceptions about giving up custody, attributing the decision to mental health struggles and addiction issues she was combating.
Hayden Panettiere’s untimely death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans alike, celebrating her talent and legacy. Actress Viola Davis and podcaster Jay Shetty expressed their shock and condolences, remembering the remarkable person that Hayden was both on and off-screen.