On Aug. 16, fans were devastated by the news of the death of Hayden Panettiere. The actress, who was 36, was best known for her roles in Heroes, Nashville, Remember the Titans, Bring It On: All or Nothing, the Scream movies, and Ice Princess, among many others. She also recently published a memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, which chronicled some of her past relationships and roles, her grief over the loss of her brother, and her experiences with postpartum depression, domestic abuse, and addiction.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” Panettiere’s father, Alan Panettiere, shared in a statement with ABC News on Aug. 16. “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.” The investigation into her death is ongoing, and her family asked for privacy as they navigate this loss.
With a career that spanned the majority of her life, with her first appearing in an acting role at only 11 months old, Panettiere touched the lives of many actors, many of whom have taken to social media to share their love and grief for the actress.
Kim Cattrall
Kim Cattrall, who played Panettiere’s character’s mom in Ice Princess, shared a screengrab of them from the movie on Instagram, along with the caption, “Rest in peace sweet Hayden. Gone far too soon 💔”
Solange Knowles
Gen Z may best know Panettiere from her starring role in Bring It On: All or Nothing, and her co-star on that film, Solange Knowles, posted a message on her Instagram Stories in tribute to Panettiere and their time making that movie. “Rest in peace, Hayden,” she wrote. “In peace, because you are so deserving of it. We had so many parallels in our lives, and the world watched you so courageously live in your radical truth telling your story. We watched your endless quest for vulnerability and healing. I salute your journey and I honor the work re created together that became something that really means something to people… reaching people we couldn’t have ever imagined at the time, as two young girls, trying to keep looking to the light. The light surrounds you now. Rest easy, Hayden.”
Connie Britton
Panettiere’s Nashville co-star Connie Britton posted a sweet tribute with a carousel of photos and a heartfelt message, “This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright. I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now.”
David Arquette
David Arquette, who worked with Panettiere on Scream 4, shared his grief over the actress’s passing. “I love you Hayden,” he wrote in a comment on Variety’s Instagram post about her death. “She was such a brave and brilliant soul,” he later added on his Instagram Story.
Melissa Barrera
Melissa Barrera, who worked alongside Panettiere in Scream VI, shared a tribute on her Instagram Story. “Rest in peace sweet Hayden,” she wrote.
Lucy Hale
Lucy Hale, who also worked with Panettiere on Scream, wrote on her Instagram Story, “This one really hurts. May your soul be at rest, Hayden ❤️🩹🪽”
Bethany Joy Lenz
One Tree Hill actress Bethany Joy Lenz, who worked with Panettiere on the soap opera Guiding Light, shared a lengthy Instagram tribute to Panettiere, in which she shared a few of her memories of Panettiere. “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,” she wrote.
Viola Davis
Viola Davis was one of the first actors to take to Instagram following the news of Panettiere’s death, sharing her grief and love for her Custody co-star in an Instagram post. “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,” Davis wrote. “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.”
Alyson Stoner
Alyson Stoner, who took over Panettiere’s voice acting role of Kairi in the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise, shared an emotional video on Instagram following Panettiere’s death. “My deepest condolences to Hayden’s family, community, and the many lives Hayden reached,” they wrote in the caption. “May you rest in freedom, Hayden.”
James Kyson
One of the actors from Heroes, James Kyson, took to Instagram to write about his history with Panettiere. “I am deeply saddened and so shocked by @haydenpanettiere’s passing, he wrote, alongside photos of himself with the late actress. “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.”
Dania Ramirez
Another of Panettiere’s Heroes co-stars, Dania Ramirez, posted a photo of herself with Panettiere, writing, “My heart aches so much right now. 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.”
David Anders
Another Heroes cast member, David Anders, posted a photo of himself with Panettiere from set, writing, “One of the brighter lights I’ve ever met and had the privilege to call a friend. I love you Hayden. Always and forever. Wherever you are now.”
Rosie O’Donnell
Rosie O’Donnell, who met Panettiere when she appeared on The Rosie O’Donnell Show, also shared a photo of Panettiere on her Instagram. “Oh my god – heartbroken #hayden,” she wrote in a caption.
Selma Blair
Selma Blair, who publicly supported Panettiere after her brother’s tragic death, though she never worked on a project with Panettiere, shared a heartbreaking comment on Panettiere’s final Instagram post as well. “I love you. Don’t be gone. Don’t be gone. Please. Please,” Blair wrote.