Actress Hayden Panettiere, 'Heroes' and 'Nashville' Star, Dies at 36

August 17, 2026 | 10:52 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - American actress Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in the television series Heroes and Nashville, has died at the age of 36, her representative confirmed to ABC News.

“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,” her father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement, as reported by ABC News.

He asked for privacy as the family takes time to process the loss, while further details surrounding Panettiere’s death were not immediately available.

The Straits Times reported that Panettiere was also known for her roles in the television series Heroes and the 2006 film Bring It On: All or Nothing.

Panettiere began her acting career as a child and went on to build a long career in television and film. She gained widespread recognition as Claire Bennet in Heroes, the NBC science-fiction series that ran from 2006 to 2010.

She later starred as country music singer Juliette Barnes in the musical drama series Nashville.

Her other film credits included Remember the Titans, Raising Helen, Ice Princess and Scream 4.

Panettiere was candid about her experiences with child stardom and the challenges she faced later in life. She released her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, in May.

ABC News reported that the memoir reflected on her life and career, including her experiences growing up in the entertainment industry.

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