Celebrities React To Hayden Panettiere’s Death At 36

Hayden Panettiere has died at 36, her father, Skip Panettiere, shared in a statement on Aug. 16. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” he wrote, per The Hollywood Reporter. “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. We ask for privacy as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss.”

Just three months before Panettiere’s passing, she published her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning. In the book, the actor — known for series such as Nashville and Heroes, and films including Ice Princess and Bring It On: All or Nothing — got candid about substance use, mental health, and tumultuous industry encounters. She also opened up about navigating family heartbreak, including the death of her younger brother, Jansen Panettiere, and the painful decision to live apart from her young daughter, who dwells in Ukraine with her ex, Wladimir Klitschko.

But she released the book on a note of hope, telling Jay Shetty on his On Purpose podcast: “I just wanted to help people. I want what I have gone through to be for a reason. To have everything have happened for a reason.”

Following Panettiere’s death, fellow celebrities have reacted with moving tributes.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis remembered collaborating with Panettiere on the 2016 film Custody, calling the late actor “an amazing talent” in a touching Instagram post. She and her husband and producing partner Julius Tennon “loved working with” Panettiere, Davis added. “An old, wise soul with such a deep heart. I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming. I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy.”

Bethany Joy Lenz

Bethany Joy Lenz recalled a young Panettiere bringing joy to the set of Guiding Light, the soap opera on which they starred together. “She knew her lines and everyone else’s,” Lenz wrote on Instagram. “Her intelligence was astonishing. She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I’d ever seen on camera. And she’d sit with you for a great conversation, then giggle and go play.”

Lenz referenced Panettiere’s recent struggles. “Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life.”

James Kyson

Panettiere’s Heroes castmate Kyson wrote that he was “deeply saddened and so shocked” on Instagram. “I remember her as a fierce protector of animal rights and a ‘cheerleader’ for kindness, justice, and people being treated fairly — something that I’ve always appreciated.”

Alyson Stoner

Alyson Stoner — a fellow Disney alum who, like Panettiere, voiced Kairi in the Kingdom Hearts video games — cried in a stirring Instagram tribute. “I’ve worked with Hayden, I’ve worked with Hayden’s brother Jansen — and from one Kairi to another, I just wanted to acknowledge the tremendous loss,” they said. “Not only for the Kingdom Hearts family but of course all of the close loved ones and the millions of lives that Hayden reached.”

Heather Matarazzo

Heather Matarazzo remembered meeting Panettiere on the Long Island Rail Road as they’d make their way to auditions as kids, writing on Instagram: “Every time our paths crossed, my heart always filled up. She was special. She was a Sprite of a being and such a talent. Truly a light….. Love you, Hayden.”

Connie Britton

Connie Britton, Panettiere’s co-lead on Nashville, shared a collection of photos with the late star on Instagram. “This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright,” she wrote, adding: “I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now.”

David Arquette

Panettiere’s Scream 4 castmate David Arquette honored her on his Instagram story. “Sending my love to Hayden and her family,” he wrote. “She was such a brave and brilliant soul.”

Melissa Barrera

Melissa Barrera — who later shared the screen with Panettiere in the sixth Scream film — wrote on her own story, “Rest in peace sweet Hayden.”

Joseph David-Jones

Joseph David-Jones shared his devastation on his story, too, writing that although his time on Nashville was short, Panettiere “always made me feel welcome. She will definitely be missed.”

Kim Cattrall

Panettiere’s on-screen Ice Princess mom, Kim Cattrall, remembered the late actor with a sweet throwback photo from the 2005 film. “Rest in peace sweet Hayden. Gone far too soon,” she wrote.

Emma Roberts

Emma Roberts, who worked with Panettiere in Scream 4, shared several photos of the pair in her loving tribute. “Rest in peace my sweet friend. you are so loved and you will be forever missed,” she wrote.

Kelly Osbourne

Kelly Osbourne remembered Panettiere as “such a good friend” in an emotional story post. “I am deeply saddened by the loss of someone who meant so much to me,” she wrote. “We understood each other in a way few truly can — recognizing how difficult it is to grow up in the spotlight, and how isolating it can feel even when surrounded by so many people.”

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell simply voiced her shock, captioning a photo of Panettiere: “Oh my god — heartbroken.”