Tributes have poured in from across Hollywood on the back of the death of Hayden Panettiere, with co-stars, filmmakers and long-time friends remembering her as an unusually gifted performer whose career began almost before she could walk.
Panettiere died on Sunday, 16 August, aged 36, her family confirmed through her representative. No cause of death has been announced. Police in Greenville, South Carolina, said their preliminary investigation had found no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances, while the case remains under investigation.
Her father, Skip Panettiere, described her as an «incredible light» who brought joy both to those who knew her and to millions who watched her on screen. The actress found international fame as Claire Bennet in Heroes, later earned two Golden Globe nominations for Nashville and developed a devoted following as Kirby Reed in the Scream films.
Viola Davis remembers an «old, wise soul»
One of the most personal tributes came from Viola Davis, who worked with Panettiere on the 2016 drama Custody. Davis remembered her as an «old, wise soul with such a deep heart» and wrote that she wished the world had been given more time to see who Panettiere was becoming.
Heroes writer Bryan Fuller also looked back at Panettiere’s early breakthrough. Fuller, who helped shape Claire Bennet during the show’s first season, said Panettiere was «more than an actress; she was a muse,» adding that she had a lasting impact on him as a writer and storyteller.
Jeremy Renner offered condolences to Panettiere’s family, while Rosie O’Donnell said she was heartbroken by the news. Singer JoJo described her death as devastating.
Scream co-stars say goodbye
The news also reverberated through the Scream family, where Panettiere’s Kirby Reed had become one of the franchise’s most popular later-generation characters.
Her Scream 4 co-star David Arquette wrote simply, «I love you, Hayden,» while Melissa Barrera, who appeared alongside her in Scream VI, posted, «Rest in peace, sweet Hayden.»
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For Selma Blair, the reaction was more raw. Writing beneath Panettiere’s final Instagram photograph, Blair pleaded: «Don’t be gone. Please.» Other actors, including Tia Mowry and Beverley Mitchell, joined thousands of fans turning the post into an impromptu memorial.
Long-time friend Kelly Osbourne, who had spoken publicly with Panettiere about addiction and the difficulties of growing up famous, said the two had understood the isolation that can accompany childhood celebrity in a way few others could. She described Panettiere as someone deeply important to her and said she would never forget her.
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Panettiere had increasingly returned to public life recently, including in Scream VI, Amber Alert and the 2026 thriller Sleepwalker. In May, she published the memoir This Is Me: A Reckoning, speaking candidly about child stardom, addiction, depression and her attempts to rebuild her life.
