Hayden Panettiere, ‘Heroes’ And ‘Nashville’ Star, Dies At 36

American actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for Heroes, Nashville and the Scream franchise, has died at 36. Her family confirmed the news, while her father, Skip Panettiere, described her as a remarkable presence who brought joy to millions.Panettiere began acting as a child and went on to earn two Golden Globe nominations for her role as Juliette Barnes in Nashville. Her most recent appearance was in the 2026 psychological thriller Sleepwalker. Her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, published in May, discussed her experiences with postpartum depression, addiction, recovery and the death of her younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, in 2023. Her cause of death has not been disclosed and is being investigated.

American actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, has died at the age of 36, her representative confirmed.
Her father, Skip Panettiere, announced her death in a statement and asked for privacy as the family mourns. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

A CAREER THAT BEGAN IN CHILDHOOD

Panettiere began working in entertainment as a child, appearing in commercials and television productions before moving into film.
She gained early recognition as the voice of Dot in Pixar's A Bug's Life and later appeared in films including Remember the Titans, Raising Helen and Ice Princess.
Her breakthrough came in 2006 when she was cast as Claire Bennet, the superpowered cheerleader in NBC's hit series Heroes. The role made her internationally famous and earned her several Teen Choice Awards.

‘NASHVILLE’ BROUGHT ANOTHER MAJOR ROLE

Panettiere later starred as aspiring country singer Juliette Barnes in the musical drama Nashville, appearing throughout the show's six-season run.
Her performance earned her two Golden Globe nominations, while her work on the series also showcased her singing abilities.
She also appeared in the Scream franchise, including Scream 4, as well as other films and television productions.

OPEN ABOUT PERSONAL STRUGGLES

Away from acting, Panettiere was open about difficult periods in her personal life, including struggles with postpartum depression, alcohol addiction, recovery and trauma.
Earlier this year, she published her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, in which she reflected on her experiences with fame, motherhood, addiction, recovery and loss.
Panettiere was the mother of one daughter, Kaya, whom she had with her former fiancé, Ukrainian heavyweight boxer Wladimir Klitschko.

FAMILY ALSO SUFFERED A TRAGIC LOSS

Panettiere's death comes three years after the sudden death of her younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, who died in 2023 at the age of 28.
His family said he died from an enlarged heart and complications involving the aortic valve. Hayden had spoken publicly about the lasting impact of her brother's death.

A CAREER REMEMBERED BY MILLIONS

From child actor to international television star, Panettiere built a career spanning more than three decades.
Her performances in Heroes and Nashville became defining moments of her career, while her openness about personal challenges brought another dimension to her public life.
Panettiere died just days before her 37th birthday, which would have been on August 21.
Further details surrounding her death have not yet been released, and her family has asked for privacy during this difficult period.