Hayden Panettiere, the actress who captured audiences as the indestructible cheerleader Claire Bennet on NBC's "Heroes" and later as country singer Juliette Barnes on "Nashville," has died. She was 36.
Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed the news to ABC News on Sunday. "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden," he said in a statement. "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."【0†L55-L56】 The family asked for privacy as they process the loss.【0†L57】
From Child Star to Breakout Success
Panettiere's career began early. Born August 21, 1989, in Palisades, New York, she appeared in her first commercial at just 11 months old.【0†L96-L97】 She landed roles on soap operas "One Life to Live" (1994-1997) and "Guiding Light" (1997-2000) before guest spots on series like "Ally McBeal," "Law & Order: SVU," and "Malcolm in the Middle."
Her breakthrough came in 2006 when she was cast as Claire Bennet on "Heroes." The show, about ordinary people discovering extraordinary abilities, became a cultural phenomenon. Panettiere's character, a cheerleader who couldn't die, became iconic — and her catchphrase "Save the cheerleader, save the world" defined the series' first season. She starred in all four seasons until the show ended in 2010.
She followed that success with a leading role on ABC's "Nashville" (2012-2018), playing rising country star Juliette Barnes opposite Connie Britton. The role earned her two Golden Globe nominations.
A Life Marked by Struggle and Resilience
Panettiere was open about her personal struggles. In her memoir "This Is Me: A Reckoning," released in May, she detailed growing up in the spotlight, battles with addiction and postpartum depression, and the challenges of motherhood.【0†L58-L59】【0†L119】
She had a daughter, Kaya, with ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, the Ukrainian heavyweight boxing champion.【0†L61】 Panettiere spoke candidly about a near-death experience during Kaya's birth and her decision to relinquish custody so her daughter could live with Klitschko while she sought treatment.【0†L119-L121】
In 2023, Panettiere's younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, died at age 28 from aortic valve complications.【0†L62】【0†L123】
A Lasting Legacy
Panettiere's film credits included "Remember the Titans," "Raising Helen," "Ice Princess," "Bring It On: All or Nothing," and the "Scream" franchise. Her most recent project was the 2026 psychological thriller "Sleepwalker."
She also voiced characters in animated films including "A Bug's Life" and voiced Kairi in the "Kingdom Hearts" video game series.
Tributes have poured in from fans and colleagues who remember her as a talented performer and a kind soul. A crew member who worked with Panettiere on a Neutrogena commercial recalled her standing up for an overworked crew member, saying: "In my 25 years in Hollywood, I've never seen someone stand up for a crew member like that, neither before nor since."【0†L149-L151】
An investigation into the circumstances of her death is ongoing.【0†L133】