'Heroes' and 'Nashville' actress, Hayden Panettiere, dies at 36

Hayden Panettiere, the American actress known for her roles in "Heroes" and "Nashville," has died at the age of 36. The cause of her death has not been officially disclosed, though authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding her passing. Her publicist, Kasey Kitchen, confirmed the news to NBC News, stating that the actress had been nominated for a Grammy and two Golden Globe awards during her career. Born into a family with deep ties to entertainment, Panettiere began her acting journey as a child. She gained early recognition for voicing Dot, the young princess ant in Pixar’s 1998 animated film "A Bug's Life." Her performance on the film's read-along album earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Album for Children. This marked the beginning of a career that would see her become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces. Panettiere rose to prominence with her role as Claire Bennet, a high school cheerleader with superpowers, in the serialized NBC series "Heroes," which premiered in 2006. Her portrayal of the character helped solidify her status as a rising star in television. She later appeared in the 2000 football drama "Remember the Titans," alongside Denzel Washington, further expanding her range as an actress. In addition to her television work, Panettiere took on roles in films such as the satirical horror "Scream" franchise and the psychological thriller "Sleepwalker," which was released in January 2026. In "Sleepwalker," she played a grieving mother experiencing sleepwalking episodes. Her latest project was widely anticipated by fans and critics alike. Her most recent book, "This Is Me: A Reckoning," published in May, detailed personal struggles including the challenges of giving birth to her daughter in 2014 and battling postpartum depression and alcohol addiction afterward. The memoir offered an intimate look into her life beyond the spotlight. Panettiere is survived by her daughter, Kaya, whom she shares with her former fiancé, Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko. Kaya currently resides with Klitschko in Ukraine, according to statements made by Panettiere earlier this year. Her brother, Jansen Panettiere, an actor, passed away in 2023 due to complications arising from an enlarged heart and an aortic-valve condition, as reported by the family to U.S. media. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), of which Panettiere was a member since 1994, expressed its condolences over her passing. In a statement, the union said, "We join in mourning the sudden passing of Hayden Panettiere. Our hearts are with her daughter, family, friends and fans." Her father, Alan “Skip” Panettiere, described his daughter as “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.” His words reflect the profound impact she had both personally and professionally. As the investigation into her death continues, many in the entertainment industry have expressed their shock and sadness over the loss of a talented and beloved figure. Fans and colleagues alike remember her contributions to television and film, as well as her openness about personal challenges. Panettiere’s legacy will undoubtedly continue through her body of work and the influence she had on others in the industry. Her final film, "Sleepwalker," is set to remain a lasting tribute to her craft.