Hayden Panettiere Dead At 36 – ‘Scream,’ ‘Nashville’ Star And Soap Alum Dies

In shocking news, Hollywood is mourning a heartbreaking loss. Hayden Panettiere (36), the actress beloved for her roles in One Life to Live, Guiding Light, Scream, Heroes and Nashville, has died at 36 years old.

Hayden’s death was confirmed by her family and representative. Her father, Skip Panettiere who released a statement remembering his daughter as an extraordinary presence who brought tremendous happiness to the people who knew and watched her.

The family has asked for privacy as they cope with the devastating loss.

According to TMZ, a cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. However, police say it is still an open investigation.

From Child Star To Hollywood Favorite

Hayden spent nearly her entire life in the entertainment industry, beginning her career as a small child before making the transition from child performer to adult star.

Some of her most early roles were on the soaps One Life to Live and Guiding Light, followed by memorable film work in Remember the Titans and Ice Princess.

Her breakout role was that of Claire Bennet on NBC’s Heroes which turned Hayden into an international star.

Hayden Panettiere’s ‘Nashville’ Success

She also portrayed troubled country singer Juliette Barnes on Nashville which she earned two Golden Globe nominations.  The role allowed her to display not only her acting skills but her singing as well.

‘Scream’ Fans Loved Kirby Reed

She debuted as Kirby Reed in 2011’s Scream 4, and the character became such a fan favorite that Panettiere eventually returned for Scream VI more than a decade later.

Hayden Panettiere Was Open About Her Personal Struggles

She was remarkably open about some of the darkest periods of her life. Hayden discussed her struggles with addiction and postpartum depression and spoke about the enormous pressures that came with growing up in the entertainment industry.

In 2026, Hayden released her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, giving a personal look at her childhood fame, adulthood and struggles behind the scenes.

Her younger brother, Jansen Panettiere, passed away 2023. He was only 28.

Hayden Panettiere Leaves Behind Her Daughter

She is survived by her daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with former fiancé and Ukrainian boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko.

RIP Hayden Panettiere gone far too soon at just 36.