Hayden Panettiere, Heroes and Nashville actress, dies at 36
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American actress Hayden Panettiere dies at 36, ABC News reported Sunday, citing her representative. Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed the death and asked that the family's privacy be respected; no official cause of death has been released.
Key Facts
- Hayden Panettiere, known for television series Heroes and Nashville, died at age 36, ABC News reported Sunday, citing her representative.
- No official cause of death has been disclosed as of Sunday.
- Panettiere's father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed the death in a statement and asked that the family's privacy be respected.
- Panettiere was born on August 21, 1989, in New York, appeared in her first commercial at 11 months, and joined the series One Life to Live at age four.
- Panettiere is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whose father is former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko; her brother Jansen Panettiere died in 2023 at age 28.
Death and Family Statement
Hayden Panettiere died at 36, ABC News reported on Sunday, citing her representative. Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed the death in a written statement and asked that the family's privacy be respected. No official cause of death has been released. The family statement described Panettiere as "an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy" to those who knew her and to viewers.
Career Highlights
Panettiere began acting in commercials at 11 months and landed a role in One Life to Live at age four. She became known worldwide for playing Claire Bennet in Heroes and Juliette Barnes in Nashville. Her film credits include Remember the Titans, Ice Princess and the Scream franchise. In May 2026 she published the memoir This Is Me: A Reckoning, about early fame and health struggles.
Family and Personal Life
Panettiere had an 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, with former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko. Her brother Jansen Panettiere died in 2023 at age 28. In recent years Panettiere spoke openly about her struggles with addiction and postpartum depression.
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Hayden Panettiere, Heroes and Nashville actress, dies at 36
