Actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for Heroes and Nashville, has died aged 36. Her representative confirmed the news to ABC News on 16 August 2026.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. 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.”
Hayden Panettiere’s representative, to ABC News
Further details, including a cause of death, were not immediately available.
Hayden Panettiere’s career: Heroes, Nashville and Scream
Panettiere began as a child star with a career that ran across television and film. Early roles in Remember the Titans, Raising Helen and Ice Princess gave way to her breakthrough as Claire Bennet, the indestructible cheerleader at the centre of NBC’s hit series Heroes.
She later played Juliette Barnes in the musical drama Nashville, a role that earned two Golden Globe nominations, per Variety. Her film credits also included I Love You, Beth Cooper, Scream 4 and Scream VI, and she starred in the television film Amanda Knox.
The Scream franchise continues: Scream 8 was confirmed after Scream 7’s record-breaking run.
Candid about the cost of fame
Panettiere spoke openly about the difficulties of growing up in the spotlight, from child stardom through adulthood. Her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, was published in May this year.
ABC News said the story was developing.
How old was Hayden Panettiere?
She was 36. Her representative confirmed her death to ABC News on 16 August 2026.
What was Hayden Panettiere known for?
Her biggest roles were Claire Bennet in Heroes and Juliette Barnes in Nashville, which earned two Golden Globe nominations. Her films included Remember the Titans, Ice Princess, Scream 4 and Scream VI.
What was Hayden Panettiere’s cause of death?
It has not been released. Her representative confirmed her death but gave no further details.
