American actress Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in “Heroes” and “Nashville,” has died at the age of 36. Her representative confirmed her death.
The news was reported by ABC News.
“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,” her father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement.
He asked for the family’s privacy as they take time to process the loss. The cause and other circumstances of the actress’s death have not been disclosed.
Panettiere began her career as a child actress. She rose to international fame as Claire Bennet in the science-fiction series “Heroes.” She also played Juliette Barnes in the musical drama “Nashville,” earning two Golden Globe nominations for the role.
Her other credits included “Remember the Titans,” “Raising Helen,” “Ice Princess,” “Scream 4” and “Scream VI.” Her final film was the psychological thriller “Sleepwalker,” released in January 2026.
In May, Panettiere published her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” in which she discussed childhood fame, postpartum depression, addiction and recovery, abuse and the loss of her younger brother Jansen.
Hayden Panettiere was formerly engaged to Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko. Their daughter Kaya was born in 2014.
