Justin Chatwin Speaks on Hayden Panettiere’s Struggles and Hollywood’s Neglect

Justin Chatwin recently expressed frustration over the state of Hollywood as he mourned the death of his ‘Sleepwalker’ co-star, Hayden Panettiere. In a conversation with Fox News Digital, Chatwin emphasized his anger toward the entertainment industry’s failure to support individuals facing trauma and addiction.

Chatwin shared, ‘I’m a man, so I process things by getting pissed off. I’m angry that people in this industry aren’t taken care of.’ He highlighted that many in Hollywood suffer due to a lack of ability to handle pain or trauma.

Chatwin stated, ‘There’s not enough support or awareness around these issues.’

Panettiere, known for roles in ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville,’ passed away on August 16 at 36. Emergency responders were unable to revive her following a cardiac arrest at her home in Greenville, South Carolina. The investigation into her death is still ongoing, with no trauma indicated in initial findings.

Chatwin explained that the issues he witnessed aren’t limited to Hollywood, saying, ‘It’s an epidemic that needs to be looked at.’ His final moments with Panettiere were post-filming ‘Sleepwalker,’ describing her as one of his favorite collaborators despite sensing a deep personal struggle.

Chatwin recalled, ‘She was one of the top five, top 10 favorite people I’ve ever worked with. She was super sweet.’

He sensed ‘a lot of pain from her family to her daughter’ in Panettiere.

Panettiere’s hardships, including addiction, have been publicly acknowledged, as detailed in her 2026 memoir, ‘This Is Me: A Reckoning.’ Chatwin noted a change in Panettiere since her youth.

He added that working in Hollywood could often feel solitary. ‘Sometimes the pain is unbearable. You go home from a warm, fun movie set, and you’re alone.’ On set, however, Chatwin valued his deep conversations with Panettiere.

Reflecting on ‘Sleepwalker,’ Chatwin advised actors to carefully consider roles that might reopen unresolved emotional wounds.

Panettiere’s career began in childhood, with significant roles in ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville,’ earning her accolades, including Golden Globe nominations. Her passing also followed the death of her brother in 2023, which she had previously described as a source of profound grief.

Chatwin fondly remembered Panettiere, saying, ‘She was a unicorn.’

When discussing her future, Chatwin conveyed that her primary focus was on happiness rather than acting roles or career achievements.

Christina Dugan Ramirez, an entertainment journalist with extensive experience, reported this story for Fox News Digital.