The Former Child Star Who Went on to Lead “Heroes” and “Nashville” Died Sunday in South Carolina. Police Said Preliminary Findings Showed No Signs of Foul Play
Hayden Panettiere, the actress who grew from a child star in “Remember the Titans” into leading roles on “Heroes” and “Nashville,” has died at 36.
Panettiere died Sunday, Aug. 16, in South Carolina, her representative confirmed. Her father, Alan “Skip” Panettiere, remembered his daughter as an “incredible light” and a “force of nature” who brought joy to those who knew her and millions who watched her onscreen.
She would have turned 37 on Friday, Aug. 21.
A cause of death has not been announced. Greenville police said officers and emergency medical personnel responded Sunday afternoon after receiving a report of an unresponsive woman. Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said the preliminary investigation found no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. The Greenville Police Department and Greenville County Coroner’s Office are continuing to investigate her death.
From ‘Remember the Titans’ to ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville’
Panettiere began working as a child and built a career that stretched across television, film and voice acting.
One of her early film roles came in the 2000 sports drama “Remember the Titans,” starring Denzel Washington. She later became widely known for playing Claire Bennet, a high school cheerleader with regenerative powers, on NBC’s “Heroes,” which debuted in 2006.
Panettiere found another signature role as country singer Juliette Barnes on ABC and later CMT’s “Nashville.” Her performance earned her two Golden Globe nominations.
Her film credits also included “Scream 4” and “Scream VI,” and she voiced Dot in Pixar’s “A Bug’s Life.” She appeared opposite Solange Knowles in the 2006 film “Bring It On: All or Nothing” and most recently appeared in the 2026 psychological thriller “Sleepwalker.”
Earlier this year, Panettiere released her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” reflecting on her career, motherhood and difficult periods in her personal life.
SAG-AFTRA, which said Panettiere had been a member since 1994, was among those mourning the actress. The union said its thoughts were with her daughter, family, friends and fans.
Tributes Pour In for Hayden Panettiere
News of Panettiere’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from entertainers and fans.
Viola Davis, who worked with Panettiere in the 2016 film “Custody,” remembered her as a deeply gifted performer and praised the strength she showed throughout her life. Other actors, including Melissa Barrera, Selma Blair and Bethany Joy Lenz, also shared tributes.
On social media, Tia Mowry and Dania Ramirez were among those reacting to Panettiere’s final Instagram post, while singer Jacquees shared condolences and said he had wanted to meet the actress since he was a child.
Panettiere is survived by her daughter, Kaya, and her parents.
Her younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, died in 2023 at 28 from complications involving an enlarged heart and an aortic-valve condition.
