Celebrities Pay Tribute to Hayden Panettiere

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THE RUNDOWN

• Nashville actress Hayden Panettiere passed away on Sunday, August 16.
• Her father shared the news in a statement, saying, “She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her.”
• Following the announcement, Panettiere’s former co-stars, peers, and friends posted tributes to her on Instagram.

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Yesterday, Heroes and Nashville actress Hayden Panettiere passed away at the age of 36.

Her father, Skip Panettiere, shared the news in a statement shared by her publicist to ABC News and other outlets. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” he said. “She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her—and to the millions who watched her on-screen.”

Hayden had a long career, first working as a child actress in Guiding Light and Remember the Titans. Other notable roles include Ice Princess, Bring It On: All or Nothing, and her voice work in video game series Kingdom Hearts and Until Dawn. Past co-stars, friends, and celebrity peers were quick to honor her life. Read their tributes below.

Viola Davis

Davis shared a tribute to Panettiere, sharing a photo of them together at The Architect screening in 2006. She wrote, “What an amazing talent you were….so gifted. Julius and I loved working with you….an old, wise soul with such a deep heart. I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming. I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy. You will be remembered. Rest well, Hayden. Sending healing prayers to your family, your daughter, and all who loved you. May they always speak your name….♥️????????????”

Naomi Campbell

The model left a comment under Davis’s post: “????️❤️????️????????”

Rosie O’Donnell

O’Donnell posted a tribute to Panettiere, writing, “Oh my god – heartbroken #hayden ????,” on Instagram.

Bethany Joy Lenz

Lenz, who co-starred with Panettiere on Guiding Light, shared an extended tribute to her on Instagram. She wrote:

There is nothing that posting pictures on the internet can do. I avoid it usually in moments like this. But Im here with my head in my hands and I don’t know what else to do in aside from praying for her soul, which I have done and will continue.

I’m crushed. I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between Guiding Light blocking and camera rehearsals. Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else’s. Her intelligence was astonishing. She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I’d ever seen on camera. And she’d sit with you for a great conversation, then giggle and go play. We’d connect on and off over the years, like the cousin in the family reunion who got famous and life moved her away—but I always felt such joy seeing her when we were lucky enough to cross paths. We’d make a pact to talk soon. Lunch. Dinner. Somewhere we could curl up into a corner—but we never quite made it happen. I mostly stayed up to date through mutual friends.

I dont understand how this is real. Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surround by love. I’m sorry for every moment I didn’t reach out or check in. This can’t be real. These are moments of how I knew you, in glimpses over 26 years. I don’t know how to process this. I am praying for you to know the peace of God now and always.

Jay Shetty

The On Purpose podcast host commented on Variety’s post about Panettiere. She had just appeared on his podcast in May.

He wrote, “I can’t believe it. Our friendship had just begun and I was so moved by the conversation we shared earlier this year. My love and condolences to her family and fans ????????????”

Normani

The singer left a comment on Variety’s post: “????????️????????”

David Arquette

Arquette worked with Panettiere on Scream 4 and Scream VI. He commented on Variety’s post, “???? I love you Hayden ????️”

Jeremy Renner

The actor commented on People’s post, writing, “Bless you and your family ❤️”

Selma Blair

Blair commented on Panettiere’s last Instagram, writing, “I love you. Don’t be gone. Don’t be gone. Please. Please.”

Melissa Barrera

Panettiere’s Scream VI co-star posted an Instagram Story honoring the actress. “???? Rest in peace, sweet Hayden,” she wrote.

David Anders

Panettiere’s Heroes co-star shared a photo of her with him and Milo Ventimiglia. “One of the brighter lights I’ve ever met and had the privilege to call a friend,” he wrote. “I love you Hayden. Always and forever. Wherever you are now.”

Dania Ramirez

Ramirez, who played Maya on Heroes, posted a photo of her and Panettiere together. “My heart aches so much right now,” she wrote. “I love you and will always miss you. I take comfort in knowing that I am with you in life and in death because your love and energy has always transcended this dimension. My thoughts are with your daughter and those who truly love you. I know that the ones that got to feel your gifts will forever feel blessed and grateful for you. ????????????”

James Kyson

Kyson, who also acted alongside Panettiere on Heroes, shared photos of them together on Instagram. He reflected on their time together, writing, “I am deeply saddened and so shocked by @haydenpanettiere’s passing… I first met Hayden when she was 16, and she was already a veteran actor with such bright spirit, and an older soul… I remember her as a fierce protector of animal rights and a ‘cheerleader’ for kindness, justice, and people being treated fairly – something that I’ve always appreciated. May your soul Rest in Peace Hayden… and my deepest condolences & prayers for her family???? Life can be so short… let’s send some love out to the world, our loved ones, and to those who need it most today???????? #gonetoosoon.”

Kelly Osbourne

The reality star posted an Instagram Story to honor her friend. She wrote:

I am deeply saddened by the loss of someone who meant so much to me. We understood each other in a way few truly can—recognizing how difficult it is to grow up in the spotlight, and how isolating it can feel even when surrounded by so many people.

My heart grieves for someone so special to this world and such a good friend to me. I will never forget you, Hayden, and I will always believe you deserved better.

Rest in peace, sweet princess. You will never be forgotten.

Alyson Stoner

Stoner took over for Panettiere as the English voice of Kingdom Hearts character Kairi. She posted a video, in which she said, “I wanted to acknowledge Hayden’s passing. I’ve worked with Hayden; I’ve worked with Hayden’s brother, Jensen [who passed away in 2023]. And from one Kairi to another, I just wanted to acknowledge the tremendous loss not only for the Kingdom Hearts family but of course all the close loved ones and the millions of lives that Hayden reached. I won’t keep this long; sending so much love to Hayden’s family. I’ll be thinking of Hayden and the legacy that she has left and sending lots of love to the Kingdom Hearts community too in how we’re sharing in this loss, oh gosh. Take care of everyone. Take care of yourselves; take care of each other.”

JoJo

The singer shared a screenshot of The Hollywood Reporter’s report about Panettiere’s death on her Instagram Story, writing, “This is such devastating news. I am so so sorry to hear of her passing. Oh. My God. ????”

Ashlee Simpson

The star shared an old photo of her and Panettiere together, writing, “I’m deeply saddened by the news of Hayden Panettiere’s passing. Rest in peace, Hayden. You will be deeply missed. ????️????”

Lucy Hale

Hale co-starred with Panettiere in Scream 4. She wrote on her Instagram Story, “This one really hurts. May your soul be at rest, Hayden ❤️‍????????”