Hayden Panettiere, best known for TV shows Heroes and Nashville, dies at 36

Hayden Panettiere (Picture via X)

American actor Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in the television series Heroes and Nashville, has died at the age of 36. Her representative confirmed her death in a statement to ABC News, while details surrounding the cause of death have not been disclosed.

Hayden Panettiere passed away at 36

Panettiere began her career as a child actor and was introduced to audiences at a young age. Over the years, she built a diverse body of work across television, films and voice acting. Her breakthrough came with NBC's superhero drama Heroes, in which she played Claire Bennet, a high-school cheerleader with regenerative abilities. The role made her an international name and earned her several awards and nominations.

She later took on another defining role as Juliette Barnes in the musical drama Nashville. The series, which ran from 2012 to 2018, followed the lives and careers of country music performers. Panettiere's portrayal of the ambitious singer earned her two Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film.

Her film credits included Remember the Titans, Raising Helen, Ice Princess, Bring It On: All or Nothing and Scream 4. She also returned as Kirby Reed in Scream VI and lent her voice to characters in projects including A Bug's Life and the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise.

On the work front

Beyond her professional work, Panettiere was open about the personal challenges she faced throughout her life. She had spoken publicly about postpartum depression, addiction and the pressures of growing up in the entertainment industry. In May 2026, she released her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, in which she reflected on her experiences and struggles.

News of her death comes just days before her 37th birthday. Her representative described her as a "force of nature" who brought immense love and joy to those around her and to fans worldwide.

The actor's death has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans remembering her work across television and film. At just 36, Panettiere leaves behind a career that began in childhood and included some of the most recognisable television characters of the 2000s and 2010s.