US actress Hilary Duff has paid tribute to “hardworking and effervescent” Hayden Panettiere, who died aged 36 at her home in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday.
Duff's tribute
Duff, who rose to fame as a teenage star in the Disney Channel show Lizzie McGuire, shared a lengthy written tribute on Instagram the day after Panettiere’s death was announced. The 38-year-old actress and singer wrote: “Sweet Hayden. Really tough hearing this news.
“We lost touch through the years but I will always remember you as so hardworking and effervescent, with that big, gorgeous smile.”
Drawing on their shared experience of starting acting in their youth, Duff added: “I remember staying up late, chatting and gossiping, and connecting because we were part of such a small sliver of people who actually understood the strange lot in life we were navigating…
“So young, with no real idea how to make any sense of it. I so deeply wish this wasn’t the end for you.
“Sending a heart full of love to your family, the many people you impacted and everyone who loved you. Rest easy.”
Other co-stars pay tribute
US actress Mariska Hargitay, who worked with Panettiere on Law & Order: SVU, shared a black and white photo of them together. “Holding you in my heart. Heartbroken about your hard journey. Remembering your light,” she wrote.
Malcolm In The Middle actor Frankie Muniz, who worked with Panettiere on the show, shared an old photo and wrote: “Very sad to hear about Hayden. I got to work with her on many projects and always had an absolutely great time with her. I have so many amazing stories and memories with her. I hope she rests in peace.”
Solange Knowles, sister of Beyonce, who appeared with Panettiere in Bring It On: All Or Nothing, shared a series of photos from the set and said: “Rest in peace Hayden. In peace, because you are so deserving of it.
“We had so many parallels in our lives, and the world watched u so courageously live in your radical truth telling your story.
“We watched your endless quest for vulnerability, and healing.
“I salute your journey and I honour the work we created together that became something that really means something to people… reaching people we couldn’t have ever imagined at the time, as two young girls, trying to keep looking to the light.
“The light surrounds you now. Rest easy Hayden,” she added.
Knowles and Panettiere played Camille and Britney in the third instalment of the Bring It On film series, which revolved around high school cheerleading.
More tributes and official statement
Francia Raisa, who played Leti in the film, posted on Instagram: “I’ve been stuck since last night. I can’t believe this. Rest well my Bring It On sis.”
Gustavo Carr, who played Panettiere’s love interest Jess, shared a photo of them together and wrote: “You are a light, Hayden. A muse. An artist. An old soul, wise beyond your years. The kind of person people loved to work with and felt lucky to know.
“I hope you knew you were seen and loved. So much life lived, and still far too soon. I wish there had been one more hug.
“Rest peacefully, Hayden. Sending all my love to your daughter, your family, and everyone who loved you.”
A statement from Panettiere’s representatives on Monday said the star will be remembered by her family as an “incredible light” who brought “immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her”.
Police said the actress, who had struggled with addiction and her mental health, was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest, and there were “no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances”.
