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Hayden Panettiere passes away at 36
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American actress Hayden Panettiere, who rose to fame as a child star before becoming one of television's familiar faces via Heroes and Nashville, has died at the age of 36.
Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed her death in a statement sent to ABC News on Sunday, August 16. The family has asked for privacy as they grieve her passing.
The circumstances surrounding Hayden's death have not been disclosed. As of the latest reports, no cause of death has been announced.
Hayden began working in entertainment while she was still an infant, appearing in commercials before landing roles in television. She later became a familiar face on daytime television through One Life to Live and Guiding Light.
Her film credits include Remember the Titans, Raising Helen, Ice Princess, Bring It On: All or Nothing, and Scream 4.
She also lent her voice to the animated film A Bug's Life, playing Dot. Her work on the project earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Album for Children, making her one of the youngest Grammy nominees at the time.
Hayden reached a new level of fame in 2006 when she was cast as Claire Bennet in NBC's superhero series Heroes. Her performance earned her a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television and a Teen Choice Award, among other honors and nominations.
She later took on another defining television role as country singer Juliette Barnes in Nashville, which ran from 2012 to 2018.
Her portrayal of Juliette earned Hayden two consecutive Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress in 2013 and 2014. She also received nominations from the Satellite Awards, Critics Choice Television Awards, and other organizations for her work on the series.
Beyond her acting work, Hayden also contributed music to Nashville, showcasing her singing abilities through the show's country music performances.
Hayden spent much of her life in the public eye, having started her professional career at a very young age.
Throughout adulthood, she became increasingly open about the challenges that came with growing up in Hollywood and navigating personal struggles while under public scrutiny.
In May 2026, Hayden released her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, offering a deeply personal account of her experiences as a child star, her struggles, motherhood, and her efforts to move forward.
She is survived by her parents, Skip and Lesley, and her daughter, Kaya.
Hayden's younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, died in 2023 at age 28 from complications related to an enlarged heart.
As news of Hayden's passing continues to develop, fans and colleagues are remembering an actress whose career spanned more than three decades, from childhood television roles to acclaimed performances on some of the most recognizable dramas of her generation.
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