Hayden Panettiere, star of ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville,’ dies at 36
The actress died on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026. (AP)
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Hollywood stars are mourning the death of Hayden Panettiere.
Panettiere, known for her roles in “Heroes,” “Nashville” and the “Scream” franchise, died Sunday at 36, her representative confirmed to Fox News Digital.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was 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,” her father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement provided to ABC News.
Hayden Panettiere died on Sunday. She was 36.(Emma McIntyre/ for amfAR)
Following news of her death, friends, former co-stars and fellow celebrities shared emotional tributes to the actress on social media.
Viola Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in the 2016 movie “Custody,” remembered the actress as an “amazing talent” and reflected on the time they spent working together.
HAYDEN PANETTIERE: A LIFE IN PICTURES
Viola Davis, pictured with Anthony LaPaglia and Hayden Panettiere in 2006, described the late actress as an “old, wise soul.”(Evan Agostini/ for TFF)
Davis wrote on Instagram that she and her husband, Julius Tennon, “loved working” with Panettiere, describing her as an “old, wise soul” with a deep heart.
The Oscar winner said she wished the world had been given more time with Panettiere and reflected on watching the actress rebuild her life through difficult periods.
“You will be remembered,” Davis wrote before offering prayers for Panettiere’s family and daughter.
“One Tree Hill” actress Bethany Joy Lenz shared an emotional tribute to Panettiere, recalling that she had known her since childhood and expressing disbelief over her death.
Bethany Joy Lenz said she was “crushed” to hear about the sudden loss of her friend.(WireImage)
“I’m crushed,” Lenz wrote on Instagram. “I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen.”
Lenz recalled Panettiere running through the halls of Screen Gems Studios as a child, describing her as remarkably perceptive and talented even at a young age.
HAYDEN PANETTIERE SAYS FILMING ‘NASHVILLE’ WAS LIKE LIVING THROUGH ADDICTION TWICE
“Her intelligence was astonishing,” Lenz wrote. “She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I’d ever seen on camera.”
The actress said she and Panettiere remained connected on and off for nearly three decades, comparing their relationship to cousins who would reconnect at family reunions. Although the two repeatedly made plans to get together, Lenz said those meetings never quite happened, and she largely kept up with Panettiere through mutual friends.
Lenz met Panettiere when she was a young actress.(Phillip Faraone/FilmMagic)
“I dont understand how this is real,” Lenz wrote. “Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life.”
Lenz also expressed regret over the times she did not reach out and shared her heartbreak for Panettiere’s daughter.
“These are moments of how I knew you, in glimpses over 27 years,” she wrote alongside photos of them over the years. “I don’t know how to process this. I am praying for you to know the peace of God now and always.”
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Other celebrities and former co-stars also reacted to Panettiere’s death.
“Scream VI” co-star Melissa Barrera shared a brief tribute on Instagram Stories, writing, “Rest in peace sweet Hayden.”
Selma Blair left a series of emotional comments on Panettiere’s final Instagram post, pleading, “Don’t be gone.”
Selma Blair reacted to Panettiere’s death on social media.(Marc Piasecki/WireImage/
David Arquette, who appeared with Panettiere in “Scream 4,” also shared his heartbreak, writing on his Instagram Story, “Sending my love to Hayden and her family,” he wrote. “She was such a brave and brilliant soul.”
Rosie O’Donnell shared her shock in a brief Instagram reaction, writing, “Oh my god — heartbroken.”
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Podcaster Jay Shetty reflected on a friendship with Panettiere that he said had only recently begun. “I can’t believe it,” Shetty wrote in a comment on Variety’s Instagram. “Our friendship had just begun and I was so moved by the conversation we shared earlier this year. My love and condolences to her family and fans.”
Panettiere’s cause of death has not been publicly announced.
Fox News Digital’s Stephen Solace and Tracy Wright contributed to this post.
