'Heroes' actor Hayden Panettiere dies at 36

The actor, also known for 'Nashville', had a career spanning television, film and voice acting that began in 1996.

Hayden Panettiere, known for 'Heroes' and 'Nashville', has died at 36. Screengrab: Reuters
2 min read  |  Published: 17 Aug 2026

Los Angeles: Hayden Panettiere, the actor known for television series including 'Heroes' and 'Nashville', has died at the age of 36.

Panettiere's father, Skip, announced her death in a statement provided to ABC News on Sunday.

"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. 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 onscreen," he said in the statement.

No cause of death was announced, and a publicist for Panettiere did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press.

Panettiere had a prolific career dating back to 1996. Her credits included voicing Dot in 'A Bug's Life', as well as roles in 'Remember the Titans' and 'Scream VI'.

Her role as a cheerleader with superpowers in 'Heroes' propelled her to fame. The series revolved around the mantra "Save the cheerleader, save the world."

Panettiere had been open about her struggles with alcohol addiction and depression, including after the birth of her daughter in 2014.

In a memoir published this year, titled 'This Is Me: A Reckoning', she wrote about her decision to give full custody of her daughter to her former partner, boxer Wladimir Klitschko.

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