LOS ANGELES — American actress Hayden Panettiere has died at 36, her representative confirmed to ABC News, four days before her 37th birthday on Aug. 21.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” her representative said in a statement. “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.”
The cause of death had not been disclosed as of Monday.
Panettiere had spoken publicly about her struggles with mental health. She experienced postpartum depression after giving birth to her daughter, Kaya, in 2014 and later discussed developing agoraphobia following the death of her younger brother in 2023.
The former child actress also revealed that she struggled with substance abuse as she dealt with grief.
Panettiere began acting as a child and gained widespread recognition as Claire Bennet in the NBC superhero series “Heroes,” which ran from 2006 to 2010.
She later starred as Juliette Barnes in the musical drama series “Nashville” from 2012 to 2018. Her film credits included “Bring It On: All or Nothing” and the “Scream” franchise.
Panettiere is survived by her daughter, Kaya, whom she shares with former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko, as well as her parents, Lesley Vogel and Skip Panettiere.
