Heroes and Nashville actress Hayden Panettiere dies at 36

American actress Hayden Panettiere has died at the age of 36.

Her father, Skip Panettiere, and her representative confirmed her death on Sunday, 16 August 2026.

In a statement, her family remembered her as “an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her”.

Cause of death has not been confirmed

The cause of Panettiere’s death has not been publicly released.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is underway, according to reports.

Her father has asked for privacy while the family grieves.

Hayden Panettiere began acting as a child

Panettiere’s acting career spanned more than three decades.

She began appearing in daytime soap operas, including One Life to Live, while still a child.

She voiced Princess Dot in Pixar’s A Bug’s Life, released in 1998, and played Sheryl Yoast in the 2000 sports drama Remember the Titans.

Heroes role brought international recognition

Panettiere became widely known for playing Claire Bennet in the science-fiction series Heroes.

Her character, a cheerleader with regenerative abilities, appeared in the series from 2006 to 2010.

She later played country music star Juliette Barnes in Nashville from 2012 to 2018. The role earned her two Golden Globe nominations.

Scream fans knew her as Kirby Reed

Panettiere joined the Scream horror franchise as Kirby Reed in Scream 4, released in 2011.

She returned to the role in Scream VI in 2023.

Kirby became one of her best-known film characters and a favourite among fans of the franchise.

Memoir addressed child stardom and personal struggles

In May 2026, Panettiere released her autobiography, This Is Me: A Reckoning.

The book reflected on the pressures of starting her career as a child, her experiences with addiction and mental health, and the death of her younger brother.

Jansen Panettiere died in February 2023.

Hayden Panettiere is survived by her daughter

Panettiere is survived by her daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with her former partner, Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko.

Fans and entertainment industry figures have shared tributes on social media following news of her death. Actress Selma Blair was among those who paid tribute.

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