American actress Hayden Panettiere has died at the age of 36, her representative confirmed. The news was announced on Sunday, August 16, with her family describing her as an “incredible light” who brought joy to millions of people who watched her work. Her family has asked for privacy as they mourn the loss.
The circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death have not been fully disclosed, and authorities are investigating. No cause of death has been released, with officials yet to provide further details about what led to her passing.
Panettiere became widely known for playing Claire Bennet in the hit television series Heroes, a role that made her an international star. She later gained further recognition as Juliette Barnes in the musical drama series Nashville, earning two Golden Globe nominations for her performance.
Her acting career began when she was a child, with early appearances including work in television and the animated film A Bug’s Life. She also appeared in films including Remember the Titans and the Scream franchise, building a career across television, film and voice acting.
Beyond her acting career, Panettiere was also known for her work in video games, including voicing Kairi in the Kingdom Hearts series and starring as Samantha Giddings in Until Dawn. Her final reported acting role was in the 2026 psychological thriller Sleepwalker.
Panettiere had recently published a memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, in which she reflected on difficult periods in her life and career. She is survived by her daughter, Kaya, and her parents. Her death at 36 has prompted tributes from fans and members of the entertainment industry, who have remembered her contribution to television and film.
Actress Hayden Panettiere, who has died at the age of 36, according to her representative.
