The world is mourning the recent death of actress Hayden Panettiere, who passed away at the age of 36. While a cause of death has not yet been confirmed, fans are remembering her impactful career, particularly her role as Claire Bennet in the NBC series "Heroes."
"Heroes," created by Tim Kring, premiered in 2006 and quickly garnered a devoted following. The show, which predated the mainstream superhero movie boom initiated by "Iron Man," featured an ensemble cast of ordinary people discovering superhuman abilities. Panettiere, who was 16 at the time of the pilot episode, portrayed Claire Bennet, a high school cheerleader with the power of rapid cellular regeneration.
Her character's ability to heal from severe injuries became a central plot point, memorably demonstrated in the pilot when she survived a fall from a great height. Panettiere's performance made Claire Bennet a fan favorite and cemented her status as a prominent figure in early 2000s television.
Panettiere was known for her engagement with fans, frequently attending science fiction and comic book conventions such as Gen Con, New York Comic Con, and Fan Expo Canada. Despite a career in acting that began in childhood, "Heroes" significantly elevated her profile and remains one of her most recognized roles.
All four seasons of "Heroes" are available for streaming on Netflix. Alternatively, the series can be watched for free with advertisements on Tubi. Individual seasons and the complete series are also available for digital purchase on platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube, with prices varying by platform and season.