Hayden Panettiere's death at age 36 has prompted an outpouring of tributes from co-stars and friends, who remember her as an 'astonishing' talent and 'incredible light'. The actress, known for roles in Heroes and Nashville, died on Monday, with her family confirming the news.
Career and Early Life
Panettiere began acting as a baby, landing her first major role at age four on the soap opera One Life to Live. She later appeared in the 2000 sports film Remember the Titans opposite Denzel Washington and voiced Dot in Pixar's A Bug's Life. She gained mainstream fame as cheerleader Claire Bennet in Heroes and starred as Juliette Barnes in Nashville for six seasons, earning two Golden Globe nominations.
Tributes from Co-Stars
Sendhil Ramamurthy, who played Mohinder Suresh in Heroes, was among the first to pay tribute, recalling their first meeting at a screen test. He described Panettiere as 'a pro' who knew every crew member by name and was 'so generous with her time'. He shared a photo from after the Golden Globes, noting she insisted he stay hydrated, and wrote: 'That's how I will remember her: a kind, joyful, professional, shi*talker.'
Kim Cattrall, who starred with Panettiere in Ice Princess, wrote: 'Rest in peace sweet Hayden. Gone far too soon.' Viola Davis, her co-star in Custody, called her 'an amazing talent' and 'an old, wise soul with such a deep heart', adding: 'I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes.'
Bethany Joy Lenz, a longtime friend, said she was 'crushed' and recalled meeting Panettiere as a child on set, noting her intelligence was 'astonishing'. She wrote: 'She knew her lines and everyone else's.' David Arquette, her Scream 4 co-star, commented 'I love you Hayden,' and Melissa Barrera, who appeared with her in Scream VI, said 'Rest in peace sweet Hayden.' Selma Blair pleaded: 'I love you. Don't be gone. Don't be gone. Please. Please.'
Family Statement
Bryan Fuller, who wrote Claire Bennet's storyline in Heroes, called her 'a muse' and wrote: 'SAVE THE CHEERLEADER, SAVE THE WORLD.' Her father, Skip, released a statement saying: 'She was 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 asked for privacy as the family processes the loss.
