Hayden Panettiere, an actress well-loved by the genre community following her roles on NBC’s Heroes, as well as the Scream franchise, has died at only thirty-six. Details about her passing are scant, but the actress’s father confirmed the news to ABC, telling them, “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.”
As a child actress, Panettiere had a breakout role as the football-loving daughter of Will Patton’s assistant coach character in the Denzel Washington film Remember the Titans. But Panettiere first struck fame at only sixteen years old when she was cast as superpowered cheerleader Claire Bennet on NBC’s Heroes. The show, from creator Tim Kring, was a major breakout hit when it premiered in 2006, propelling her to overnight fame. It ran for four years, and from there, Panettiere earned roles in movies.
One of her first films was the titular role in the underrated Chris Columbus teen comedy I Love You, Beth Cooper. She also played a fan-favorite role in Scream 4 as Kirby Reed. She would return to the part in Scream VI. There had been rumors she would reprise the role in the latest film, but it didn’t happen — although the door had been open for her to return to the franchise, with the Ghostface survivor now an FBI agent.
Panettiere also appeared on the long-running drama Nashville, for which she received two Golden Globe nominations, and recently starred in the thrillers Amber Alert and Sleepwalker, the latter of which she also executive produced. She also had a busy career in the video game industry, voicing characters in Kingdom Hearts and appearing in Until Dawn.
Panettiere’s death at such a young age is a true tragedy, and we here at JoBlo offer her family and loved ones our sincerest condolences.
The comment section exists to allow readers to discuss the article constructively and respectfully, focused on the topic at hand.
What’s Not Allowed