Actress Hayden Panettiere, widely recognized for her roles as Claire Bennet in the NBC series "Heroes" and Juliette Barnes in the ABC drama "Nashville," died on August 16 at the age of 36. Panettiere had a career in Hollywood that spanned from her childhood, leaving behind a significant body of work.
Her passing was announced on Monday morning. Earlier this year, Panettiere released a memoir, "This Is Me: A Reckoning," in which she discussed her experiences with industry exploitation, maintaining sobriety, and other challenges related to her fame.
Panettiere first gained widespread recognition for her role as the indestructible teenage cheerleader Claire Bennet in "Heroes." The series, which aired from 2006 to 2010, was a significant hit, particularly in its early seasons, and featured the popular tagline "Save the Cheerleader, Save the World." Following "Heroes," she took on the role of Juliette Barnes, a complex country music singer, in "Nashville," which ran from 2012 to 2018. This role allowed her to showcase her vocal talents.
Both "Heroes" and "Nashville" are currently available for streaming on Netflix. "Heroes" can also be found on Tubi with advertisements.
Panettiere's early career included roles in films such as Pixar's "A Bug's Life," where she voiced Princess Dot, and the Disney sports drama "Remember the Titans." She also starred in the Disney film "Ice Princess."
Her film credits also include a notable role in the "Scream" franchise. She portrayed Kirby Reed in "Scream 4" and reprised the character as an FBI agent in "Scream VI" (2022). "Scream 4" is currently available for rent or purchase, while both "Scream" (2022) and "Scream VI" are available on Paramount+.
Panettiere's final film appearance is in the thriller "Sleepwalker," set for release in 2026, which is available for rental and purchase.