Film and television actress Hayden Panettiere has died at the age of 36. She is best known for her roles as Claire Bennett in NBC’s Heroes and Juliette Barnes in the musical drama series Nashville. Her representative confirmed news of her passing on August 17. No cause of death was disclosed as of the moment.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” her representative said in a statement to ABC News. “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.”
Panettiere gained widespread recognition as cheerleader Claire Bennett in superhero drama Heroes. She later starred as country singer Juliette Barnes in Nashville, earning two Golden Globe nominations for the role in 2013 and 2014, both for the Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film category.
Panettiere appeared in other notable films including Pixar’s A Bug’s Life, dance movie Bring It On: All or Nothing, and Wes Craven’s horror slasher franchise Scream 4 in 2011 and Scream VI in 2023. In video games, Panettiere voiced Kairi in the Kingdom Hearts ,and starred as Sam in the interactive survival horror game Until Dawn.
Back in May, Panettiere released her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, where she reflected on her early career, motherhood, personal struggles, and life in the public eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hayden Panettiere was best known for playing Claire Bennett, a cheerleader with regenerative powers in NBC’s Heroes.
Hayden Panettiere earned two Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film for her performance as Juliette Barnes in Nashville in 2013 and 2014.
Her notable films included Remember the Titans, A Bug’s Life, Bring It On: All or Nothing, and Scream 4.
She played Kirby Reed in Wes Craven’s Scream 4 and reprised the role in Scream VI in 2023.
Her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, was released in May 2026 and reflected on her early career, motherhood, personal struggles, and life in the public eye.
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