Actress Hayden Panettiere Dies at 36

Actress Hayden Panettiere has passed away at the age of 36, her father announced in a statement on Sunday night. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” stated Skip Panettiere, her father, via a representative.

Details on the cause and manner of her death are not available at this time. Her publicist, Kasey Kitchen, mentioned that an investigation is underway and more information is expected soon.

Earlier this year, Panettiere spoke openly about her struggles with postpartum depression and addiction. These challenges influenced her decision to relinquish custody of her daughter, Kaya Evdokia Klitschko, in 2018. Her daughter is with former partner Wladimir Klitschko, a professional boxer from Ukraine.

Panettiere recently released her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” which captured attention for its candid revelations, including those related to her personal relationships.

In 2024, she expressed her heartache over losing her younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, who died unexpectedly from an undiagnosed heart condition the prior year. “When you lose somebody who has been there through all important moments in your life, it profoundly affects you,” she shared with NBC’s “TODAY” show.

Born and raised in Palisades, New York, about 40 miles north of New York City, Panettiere began her career as an infant, appearing in television commercials at 11 months old.

Her early acting roles included appearances in soap operas such as “One Life to Live” and “Guiding Light” from age 4. She lent her voice to the animated movie “A Bug’s Life” and later appeared in films like “Remember the Titans” and “Bring It On: All or Nothing.”

Panettiere’s portrayal of Juliette Barnes on the TV show “Nashville” was among her most notable roles. Previously, she gained fame as Claire Bennet on the series “Heroes.”

She discussed the pressures of motherhood and postpartum depression while filming “Nashville,” describing how the experience was sometimes overwhelming.