US actress Hayden Panettiere has opened up about the pressures of child stardom, describing herself as a 'little soldier' who was groomed for the industry. The 36-year-old, known for roles in Heroes and Nashville, became a star by age 11 after appearing in soap operas and the film Remember the Titans.
In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Panettiere reflected on her upbringing in the spotlight, saying: 'No was never an option. It was just, here are your scenes, here’s your dialogue, memorise it, hit the marks, do what your director tells you to do. I took my marching orders.'
The actress, who has previously spoken about struggling with addiction in her 20s, revealed that she began self-harming through substance abuse as a result of built-up pressure. 'My people pleasing had built up and up, it was anger and anxiety and frustration,' she said. 'My life revolved around other people, and I lived to make other people happy and I was the last one on the list.'
Panettiere added that her addictions may have 'saved' her at a certain point. She is also known for films such as Bring It On: All Or Nothing and the Scream franchise.
