In pictures: Hayden Panettiere's life and career, from child actor to Scream star

August 17, 2026

American actress Hayden Panettiere has passed away at age 36, with her father remembering her as an "incredible light and a force of nature. " Starting her entertainment career at just four years old on the soap opera One Life to Live, she went on to achieve major success across three decades in both television and film. Her most notable roles included playing a cheerleader with healing abilities in the science fiction series Heroes from 2006 to 2010, and portraying country singer Juliette Barnes in the musical drama Nashville from 2012 to 2018, which earned her two Golden Globe nominations.

Who is affected

Hayden Panettiere's family, including her father Skip Panettiere and mother Lesley Vogel (actress and producer)
Her daughter Kaya (born December 2014)
Her ex-partner Wladimir Klitschko (Ukrainian former professional boxer)
Fans of Heroes, Nashville, and the Scream film franchise
The entertainment industry and her former co-stars including Kate Hudson, Charles Esten, and Emma Roberts

What action is being taken

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Why it matters

Panettiere was a prominent figure in American television and film who resonated with multiple generations of viewers through her diverse roles spanning three decades. Her openness about mental health struggles, particularly postpartum depression, and her willingness to discuss the challenges of being a child actor helped bring important conversations about these issues into the mainstream. Her death at only 36 years old represents a significant loss to the entertainment industry, particularly given her recent memoir release that was shedding light on the darker aspects of Hollywood and child stardom.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC