Home|Movies|NewsHayden Panettiere, Star Of Scream Franchise And Heroes, Dies Age 36by Harry Stainer | Published on17th August 2026 at 11.58amPeople:Hayden PanettierreFollow Empire on GoogleThis morning, we are incredibly saddened to share the news that Hayden Panettiere, star of Heroes, Nashville and the Scream franchise, has sadly passed away at 36 years old. Beginning her acting career at just 11 months old in a toy commercial, Panettiere graced our screens for more than 30 years. She died on Sunday, August 16. No cause of death has been announced.
First reported by ABC News on Sunday night, a statement from her father, Skip Panettiere, read as follows: “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,”. He asked for privacy “as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss”.Born Hayden Lesley Panettiere on August 21, 1989, and raised in New York, Panettiere was the daughter of an opera singer and a New York Fire Department captain. She acted from an incredibly young age, starting in commercials, but many will remember her voice from her childhood vocal performance as Dot in Pixar’s A Bug’s Life. In the following years, the actor starred in the likes of Remember the Titans, Malcolm in the Middle, and Disney Channel’s Tiger Cruise.
In 2006, the actor took a starring role in Heroes, playing Claire Bennet, a high school student with healing powers. A fan favourite among sci-fi fans, it rocketed her to further success across the show’s four seasons. Panettiere enjoyed further fame opposite Connie Britton on the music drama series Nashville, as country singer and former teen star Juliette Barnes. Running for six seasons, it became one of her defining roles, earning her two Golden Globe nominations across its run.In 2011, she joined Wes Craven’s Scream franchise as the charismatic film geek Kirby Reed. Scream 4 was ahead of its time in tackling legacy sequels, and Panettiere’s performance fit perfectly in Wes Craven’s world. She became so beloved among fans of the franchise that she eventually returned in Scream VI, delivering another standout performance. Her voiceover work was also widely acclaimed, with two memorable appearances in video games, as Kairi in Kingdom Hearts and Samantha in Until Dawn.It’s with a deep sadness that Panettiere won’t light up our screens anymore. Tributes to the actor have poured in; Viola Davis called her an “amazing talent” and a “old, wise soul with such a deep heart.” Our thoughts are with her family, friends and her 11-year-old daughter, whom she leaves behind.Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website – read why you should trust us
