Anna Paquin, an Academy Award-winning actress who began her career as a child, has sharply criticized Hollywood's handling of young talent, particularly girls, in the wake of Hayden Panettiere's recent death. Panettiere, who was 36, died on a Sunday at an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina, with her on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson present. Police reports indicated no signs of trauma that would have contributed to her death, and an autopsy is pending.
Paquin, who won an Oscar at age 11 for her role in "The Piano," shared her thoughts on Instagram on what would have been Panettiere's 37th birthday. She wrote, "It's not a coincidence that so many former, specifically presexualized female, child 'stars' have profoundly sad lives and untimely ends." Paquin suggested that young performers were not adequately protected by the industry's systems. She also mourned the deaths of fellow former child stars Daveigh Chase and Michelle Trachtenberg.
Trachtenberg died in February at 39 from complications related to diabetes and a previous liver transplant. Chase succumbed to AIDS in June at 35, with chronic polysubstance abuse listed as a contributing factor.
Paquin acknowledged that some productions now prioritize the welfare and mental health of young performers, especially when dealing with intense material. She emphasized that it is possible to support child actors while telling complex stories, but it requires making their well-being the top priority.
Panettiere's ex-fiancé, Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko, also paid tribute on her birthday. Klitschko, with whom Panettiere shared an 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, expressed his profound shock and grief. He stated that Panettiere was an important part of his life and the mother of their child, acknowledging her immense talent and her struggles with the demanding industry. Klitschko also shared a message of love and kindness, encouraging others to reach out to friends and forgive.
Panettiere and Klitschko were together from 2009 until a split in 2011, later rekindling their relationship and becoming engaged in 2013. Their daughter, Kaya, was born in December 2013. In 2018, Panettiere signed full custody of Kaya to Klitschko amid her battle with postpartum depression and addiction, leading to her daughter moving to Ukraine. Panettiere had spoken in interviews about the difficult decision, emphasizing her love for her daughter and her desire for Kaya to have an incredible life.
Panettiere began her acting career in soap operas and gained wider recognition for her role in the 2000 film "Remember the Titans." She also voiced Dot in Pixar's "A Bug's Life," starred as Claire Bennet in the superhero drama "Heroes," and portrayed Juliette Barnes in "Nashville," earning two Golden Globe nominations. Her film credits also include "Bring It On: All Or Nothing," "Raising Helen," and "Scream 4" and "Scream VI."
Authorities found Narcan, a nasal spray used to reverse opioid overdoses, at the South Carolina property where Panettiere was found. While it remains unclear if it was used, 911 audio indicated the actress had gone into cardiac arrest following a suspected overdose. Panettiere and Hickerson reportedly traveled to South Carolina from Los Angeles the day before her death. Hickerson's attorneys stated that police confirmed no signs of foul play and requested privacy for Panettiere's loved ones during the ongoing investigation.