Hayden Panettiere, a renowned actress known for her roles in TV shows like “Heroes” and “Nashville,” has passed away at the age of 36. The sad news was confirmed by her father, Skip, in a statement released to ABC News and The Guardian.
The cause of her death has not been disclosed. Police in Greenville, S.C., responded to a call about an unresponsive woman at the Judson Mill Lofts on Sunday. Despite life-saving efforts, Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities stated there were no indications of foul play, with an autopsy scheduled by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.
Panettiere, who would have celebrated her 37th birthday on Friday, began her career as a child actor appearing in commercials and soap operas. Her breakthrough role as a cheerleader with superpowers in “Heroes” in 2006 catapulted her to fame, with the series centered around the famous line “Save the cheerleader, save the world.”
She later gained recognition for her role in “Nashville,” where she portrayed a spirited country singer alongside Connie Britton. Panettiere showcased her singing talent in the show, leading to two Golden Globe nominations for her supporting actress role. Her contributions to the series also saw multiple songs featured on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.
Panettiere, who tragically lost her younger brother to a heart condition in 2023, had been transparent about her battles with alcoholism and depression, particularly following the birth of her daughter in 2014. Despite facing personal challenges, she continued to engage in her acting career and shared her struggles openly in interviews and memoirs.
The news of Panettiere’s passing has elicited an outpouring of tributes from fellow actors and celebrities, reflecting on her talent and spirit. Viola Davis, who acted alongside Panettiere in the film “Custody,” expressed her admiration for the late actress, while Jay Shetty, who recently interviewed Panettiere, mourned the loss of their budding friendship.
Hayden Panettiere’s impactful contributions to film and television, along with her resilience in the face of personal struggles, have left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
