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Published 15:42 17 Aug 2026 GMT
Friends, former co-stars, and fellow celebrities have shared emotional tributes following the sudden death of actress and singer Hayden Panettiere at the age of 36.
Panettiere, best known for portraying cheerleader Claire Bennet in Heroes and country music star Juliette Barnes in Nashville, was confirmed dead by her family on August 17. No cause of death has been revealed.
Her father, Skip Panettiere, announced the heartbreaking news, saying: “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden.”
He described his daughter as “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 also appealed for privacy as the family comes to terms with their loss.
Close friend Selma Blair was among the first celebrities to respond, leaving several emotional messages beneath Panettiere's final Instagram post.
“I love you. Don’t be gone. Don’t be gone. Please. Please,” Blair wrote.
She later added: “I love you whale tail my friend,” followed shortly afterwards by: “I’m dying. Please be here.”
Other tributes were paid by Jay Shetty, the author and podcast host who interviewed Panettiere earlier this year, also revealed his shock after learning of her death.
“I can’t believe it. Our friendship had just begun and I was so moved by the conversation we shared earlier this year,” Shetty wrote. “My love and condolences to her family and fans.”
Her Scream co-star David Arquette, who appeared with Panettiere at a horror convention in February, paid tribute simply by writing: “I love you Hayden.”
Actress Beverley Mitchell also expressed her disbelief, writing: “Praying the news is wrong! You are such a bright light and soooo loved.”
Rosie O’Donnell shared a photograph of Panettiere on Instagram alongside the message: “Oh my god – heartbroken.”
Jeremy Renner also offered his condolences, writing: “Bless you and your family.”
The SAG-AFTRA Actors union added its own tribute, stating: “We join in mourning the sudden passing of Hayden Panettiere.”
Panettiere's death comes just over two years after the death of her younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, who died in February 2023 at the age of 28.
She is survived by her father, Skip, and her daughter, Kaya.
