Ethan Suplee, a co-star in the 2000 film "Remember the Titans," has revealed he used heroin on the night of the movie's premiere, a recollection shared in the wake of his co-star Hayden Panettiere's recent death. Suplee detailed his experience in a Substack essay.
He described going from the press line to a bathroom to use heroin, a decision influenced by his insecurities about his physique and his portrayal of Louis Lastik in the film. Suplee wrote that he did not believe he would wake up that night but ultimately survived.
Suplee also shared moments of connection with Panettiere during the premiere event. He recalled her running up to him and embracing him on the red carpet, an interaction that momentarily provided him with relief from his struggles. He noted that he felt lighter holding her and that her energy and innocence offered a genuine smile in that moment.
Panettiere, who died at age 36 of an apparent overdose, had publicly discussed her own battles with alcohol and opioid addiction. Suplee mentioned other young actors, Christopher Pettiet and Harold Pruett, who also died prematurely, acknowledging their struggles are now over.
Suplee, who later became sober and lost over 250 pounds, reflected on the importance of accepting help. He characterized his sobriety as a miracle, emphasizing the courage it took to accept assistance.
In 2022, Panettiere spoke to People magazine about her addiction, stating that substances had become something she could "almost not live without." She also shared further details in her memoir, "This Is Me: A Reckoning." Despite appearing to be in a better place while promoting the book, a journalist noted that Panettiere seemed to be struggling at the time. Another co-star, Justin Chatwin, described Panettiere as appearing "lonely" and "different" on the set of their 2025 film "Sleepwalker."