Anna Paquin, an Emmy and Oscar-winning actress, has sharply criticized Hollywood's industry standards for underage performers, linking the deaths of several former child stars to their experiences in the industry. Her comments come in the wake of the recent death of Hayden Panettiere, who was found dead at age 36 of a suspected overdose in Greenville, South Carolina.

Panettiere, known for her roles in "Heroes" and "Nashville," was found unresponsive at an Airbnb with her on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson present. A police report indicated no signs of trauma that would have contributed to her death, though the official cause is pending further investigation. Narcan, a nasal spray used to reverse opioid overdoses, was reportedly found at the scene.

Paquin, who began her acting career at nine years old and won an Academy Award at 11 for "The Piano," took to Instagram to express her grief and concern. "It’s not a coincidence that so many former, specifically presexualized female, child 'stars' have profoundly sad lives and untimely ends," Paquin wrote on what would have been Panettiere's 37th birthday. She added that these young actors were "not as protected by the 'systems' that look great on paper, as we are supposed to be." Paquin also extended an invitation for others in similar situations to reach out to her directly, emphasizing solidarity and support.

In subsequent posts, Paquin clarified that she has worked on productions where the welfare of young performers was prioritized, stating, "It is possible to holistically look after the kids on set and tell complex and sometimes upsetting stories. It just has to be the top priority of the production."

Panettiere's death has also prompted tributes from those close to her. Her ex-fiancé, boxer Wladimir Klitschko, with whom she shared a daughter, Kaya, released a statement mourning her passing and celebrating her life. Klitschko, who has custody of their 11-year-old daughter, noted that Panettiere faced "the darker sides of a very demanding industry."

Panettiere's career began in childhood, with early roles in soap operas and a notable part in the 2000 film "Remember the Titans." She gained widespread recognition as Claire Bennet in the superhero drama "Heroes" and later starred as Juliette Barnes in "Nashville," earning two Golden Globe nominations. Her filmography also includes "Bring It On: All Or Nothing," "Raising Helen," and appearances in the "Scream" franchise.

Panettiere had previously spoken about her struggles with postpartum depression, addiction, and substance abuse. In a May interview, she discussed the difficult decision to grant full custody of her daughter to Klitschko in 2018, explaining it was a consequence of a challenging period in her life where she felt she "cannot live like this anymore."

Michelle Trachtenberg, another former child star, also died in February at age 39 due to diabetes mellitus, reportedly a complication following a liver transplant. Daveigh Chase, known for her role in "Donnie Darko," died in June at age 35 from complications related to polysubstance abuse, according to her death certificate.

Hickerson's legal team issued a statement indicating that the investigation into Panettiere's death is ongoing and that police have confirmed no signs of foul play.