Rose McGowan has voiced her strong opposition to child stardom in the wake of the death of fellow "Scream" franchise actress Hayden Panettiere, urging that children should not be placed in show business.
Panettiere, who began her acting career as a toddler, died on August 16 in Greenville, South Carolina. Her death was pronounced by first responders after administration of advanced cardiac life support, with 911 dispatch audio referencing a suspected overdose. She was 36 years old.
McGowan, who starred in the original 1996 "Scream" film, shared her sentiments on social media, stating, "Don't put kids in show business. None of this is normal. May her spirit be free of those who orchestrated."
Panettiere, known for her roles in "Heroes" and "Nashville," started her professional acting career at age 4 in "One Life to Live" and appeared in commercials as a baby. McGowan and Panettiere did not share a film together, but both were part of the "Scream" horror series.
Other figures in the entertainment industry have also reflected on the pressures faced by young actors. Alexa PenaVega, a Disney Channel alum, shared a tribute to Panettiere, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Daveigh Chase, noting that "we were kids navigating something so big, and not everyone had the foundation or the support they deserved."
Anna Paquin, who won an Academy Award at age 11 for "The Piano" and had a minor role in "Scream 4," commented on the pattern of difficult lives and untimely ends for former child stars. She wrote on Instagram, "It’s not a coincidence that so many former, specifically pre-sexualized female, child 'stars' have profoundly sad lives and untimely ends." Paquin added that these children were not as protected by industry "systems" as they should have been.
McGowan, 52, became a prominent advocate for young women in entertainment after her allegations against Harvey Weinstein surfaced, becoming a focal point of the #MeToo movement.
Panettiere was found unresponsive at an Airbnb with her on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother present. An investigation into her death is ongoing. Her family described her as an "incredible light and a force of nature."