Hayden Panettiere dies at 36: 10 movies and series to watch in memory of the ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville’ star
Hayden Panettiere starred in ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville’. CREDIT: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin
The sudden death of Hayden Panettiere at age 36 has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow actors and the entertainment industry. Known for memorable roles in Heroes and Nashville, Panettiere built a career that began when she was an infant and eventually made her one of television’s familiar young stars.
Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed her death in a statement on Sunday night. Police in Greenville, South Carolina, said officers and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive woman before Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said the preliminary investigation had not indicated signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. The cause and manner of death had not been provided, and her publicist said an investigation was ongoing.
As fans revisit her career, here are 10 movies and TV series worth watching to remember Panettiere’s work on screen.
1. Heroes
For many viewers, Heroes remains the role most closely associated with Hayden Panettiere.
Panettiere played Claire Bennet, a cheerleader who discovers she has extraordinary regenerative abilities. The NBC series became a major television hit in the 2000s and gave Panettiere a breakout role that introduced her to a worldwide audience.
Her performance as Claire helped establish her as one of the show’s most recognizable young stars.
2. Nashville
Nashville showcased another side of Panettiere’s acting career.
She portrayed Juliette Barnes, a successful but complicated country music star navigating fame, relationships and personal struggles. The series ran for six seasons and became one of the defining projects of Panettiere’s career.
The role also allowed her to demonstrate her range beyond the supernatural drama of Heroes.
3. Remember the Titans
Panettiere appeared in the 2000 sports drama Remember the Titans, which starred Denzel Washington.
The film follows the integration of a high school football team and the challenges surrounding race, teamwork and community. Panettiere was among the younger performers in the cast, appearing early in her film career.
4. Ice Princess
In Ice Princess, Panettiere played Gen Harwood, a competitive figure skater and friend of Michelle Trachtenberg’s character, Casey.
The 2005 Disney film remains one of the titles associated with Panettiere’s early teenage acting years. It is also a nostalgic choice for viewers who followed her career before Heroes.
5. Bring It On: All or Nothing
Panettiere took the lead in Bring It On: All or Nothing, playing Britney Allen, a high school cheerleader whose life changes after moving to a new school.
The film was part of the popular Bring It On franchise and gave Panettiere another prominent role aimed at a younger audience.
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6. A Bug’s Life
One of Panettiere’s earliest notable film credits came through voice acting.
She provided the voice of the young princess ant in Pixar’s animated film A Bug’s Life. The role came long before her television breakthrough and reflected just how early she entered the entertainment industry.
7. Custody
The 2016 drama Custody gave Panettiere an opportunity to work alongside Viola Davis, who later paid tribute to her following news of her death.
The film examines the difficult realities surrounding family court and custody proceedings, offering a more serious dramatic setting than some of Panettiere’s earlier projects.
8. The Cove
Panettiere’s work was not limited to conventional acting roles.
She appeared in the Oscar-winning 2010 documentary The Cove, which focuses on dolphin hunting in Japan. Her involvement reflected her interest in environmental and animal-conservation causes.
She was also associated with the Whaleman Foundation, an ocean conservation organization.
9. One Life to Live
Before becoming a major television star, Panettiere appeared on the daytime soap opera One Life to Live.
Her early television work demonstrated the longevity of her career. According to her Television Academy biography, she began appearing in television commercials at just 11 months old and moved into soap operas at age 4.
10. Guiding Light
Guiding Light was another important early credit in Panettiere’s career.
Her work on the soap opera came during childhood, years before audiences would know her as Claire Bennet or Juliette Barnes. Looking back at the series provides a glimpse into the remarkably early start of her acting journey.
Hayden Panettiere’s Career Began Before She Was a Teenager
Panettiere’s career stretched across several decades. Born and raised in Palisades, New York, she entered the entertainment industry as an infant and continued working through childhood and adolescence.
Her early credits eventually led to larger film roles and her breakthrough on Heroes. Nashville later became another major chapter in her career, establishing her as a leading television performer.
Her career also included voice work, film, television and documentary projects, giving fans a wide range of performances to revisit.
Fans Continue to Remember Hayden Panettiere’s Legacy
Following news of her death, SAG-AFTRA described Panettiere’s passing as sudden and extended condolences to her daughter, family, friends and fans.
Viola Davis also remembered Panettiere as an “amazing talent”, reflecting on the potential she saw in the actor during their work together on Custody.
For longtime fans, revisiting Heroes, Nashville and her earlier movies offers a way to look back at a career that began in infancy and included some of television’s most recognizable roles.
The cause and manner of Hayden Panettiere’s death had not been announced in the report provided, and authorities said the investigation was continuing. Any future official findings will be important in separating confirmed information from speculation surrounding her death.
FAQ
Who was Hayden Panettiere?
Hayden Panettiere was an American actor best known for her roles as Claire Bennet in Heroes and Juliette Barnes in Nashville. She began working in entertainment as an infant and built a career spanning television, film and voice acting.
How old was Hayden Panettiere when she died?
Hayden Panettiere was 36 years old when she died, according to the report provided by NBC News.
What happened to Hayden Panettiere?
Panettiere was found unresponsive at an address in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday. Police and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene, where she was pronounced dead.
What was Hayden Panettiere’s cause of death?
Her cause and manner of death had not been announced in the NBC News report. Her publicist said an investigation was ongoing. Police said the preliminary investigation had not indicated signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
What was Hayden Panettiere’s most famous role?
One of her most famous roles was Claire Bennet in Heroes. She played the character in the NBC superhero drama, which became a major television series during the 2000s.
What character did Hayden Panettiere play in Nashville?
Panettiere played Juliette Barnes, a successful country music performer, in the television drama Nashville. The series ran for six seasons and became one of the most important projects of her career.
What are the best Hayden Panettiere movies to watch?
Some notable Hayden Panettiere movies include Remember the Titans, Ice Princess, Bring It On: All or Nothing and Custody. She also appeared in the documentary The Cove and provided voice work for A Bug’s Life.
What is Heroes about?
Heroes is a television drama about people who discover they have extraordinary abilities. Panettiere played Claire Bennet, a high school cheerleader with the ability to recover from injuries.
What is Nashville about?
Nashville follows the professional and personal lives of country music performers and people working in the Nashville music industry. Panettiere’s Juliette Barnes is one of the show’s central characters.
Did Hayden Panettiere appear in Remember the Titans?
Yes. Panettiere appeared in Remember the Titans, the 2000 sports drama starring Denzel Washington. The film focuses on a high school football team dealing with racial integration and social tensions.
Was Hayden Panettiere in Ice Princess?
Yes. Panettiere played Gen Harwood in Ice Princess, the 2005 Disney sports comedy-drama about competitive figure skating.
Did Hayden Panettiere star in Bring It On: All or Nothing?
Yes. Panettiere played Britney Allen, the central character in Bring It On: All or Nothing. The 2006 film was part of the popular Bring It On franchise.
Was Hayden Panettiere in A Bug’s Life?
Yes. Panettiere provided the voice of the young princess ant in Pixar’s animated film A Bug’s Life. It was one of her early film credits.
What was Hayden Panettiere’s role in Custody?
Panettiere appeared in the 2016 drama Custody, which starred Viola Davis. The film explores the challenges surrounding family court and custody proceedings.
Did Hayden Panettiere appear in The Cove?
Yes. Panettiere appeared in The Cove, the 2010 documentary about dolphin hunting in Japan. The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
When did Hayden Panettiere start acting?
Panettiere began working in entertainment as a baby. According to her Television Academy biography cited in the NBC News report, she appeared in television commercials at 11 months old and later acted in soap operas beginning at age 4.
What soap operas did Hayden Panettiere appear in?
Her early television credits included One Life to Live and Guiding Light. These roles came years before her breakout performances in Heroes and Nashville.
Did Hayden Panettiere have a memoir?
Yes. Panettiere published a memoir titled This Is Me: A Reckoning. The book generated attention for its discussion of her personal experiences and relationships.
Did Hayden Panettiere have children?
Yes. Panettiere had one daughter, Kaya Evdokia Klitschko, with her former partner, Ukrainian professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko.
What did Hayden Panettiere say about her personal struggles?
The NBC News report said Panettiere had spoken publicly about postpartum depression and addiction. She also discussed the emotional difficulties she experienced after becoming a mother.
What happened to Hayden Panettiere’s brother?
Her younger brother, Jansen Panettiere, also an actor, died unexpectedly in 2023 from an undiagnosed heart condition, according to the NBC News report.
How are fans remembering Hayden Panettiere?
Fans are remembering Panettiere through her performances in Heroes, Nashville, Remember the Titans, Ice Princess and other projects. Tributes also came from organizations and actors who worked with her, including Viola Davis.
What should I watch first to remember Hayden Panettiere?
For viewers wanting to revisit her most recognizable work, Heroes and Nashville are strong starting points. Fans interested in her film career can also watch Remember the Titans, Ice Princess, Bring It On: All or Nothing and Custody.