Hollywood stars that have shared emotional tributes to actress Hayden Panettiere
Heroes actress Hayden Panettiere has tragically died at the age of 36, with her father Skip describing her untimely passing as an "unimaginable loss".
'I felt blessed to work with her': Tributes to Hayden Panettiere
Heroes actress Hayden Panettiere has tragically died at the age of 36, with her father Skip describing her untimely passing as an "unimaginable loss".
The news has led to an outpouring of grief across Hollywood, with several stars sharing their memories of Panettiere – who found fame as a child actress before going on to appear in the TV series Nashville and the Scream movie franchise.
Here is a collection of tributes to the star.
Viola Davis
The Oscar-winning actress starred alongside Panettiere in the films The Architect (2006) and Custody (2016) and remembered the "gifted" actress.
Davis wrote on Instagram: "What an amazing talent you were... so gifted.
"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."
Selma Blair
The Cruel Intentions star expressed her disbelief at Panettiere's passing in the comment she left on the Remember the Titans star's final Instagram post.
Blair wrote: "I love you. Don't be gone. Don't be gone. Please. Please."
Connie Britton
Panettiere's Nashville co-star shared a picture of the pair together on stage on her Instagram account.
Britton captioned the post: "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."
Alexa PenaVega
The Spy Kids actress says that her heart is "heavy" following the deaths of Panettiere and her fellow child stars Michelle Trachtenberg and Daveigh Chase – who passed away in February 2025 and June 2026 at the ages of 39 and 35 respectively.
PenaVega wrote on Instagram: "Hayden, Michelle, Daveigh... my heart is heavy today.
"These aren’t just names from my childhood. They’re girls I grew up alongside, sharing a world that was exciting and also incredibly hard.
"We were kids navigating something so big, and not everyone had the foundation or support they deserved."
Charles Esten
The Outer Banks actor described it as a "great gift" to be able to act alongside Panettiere in Nashville.
He posted on Instagram: "She was, of course, extraordinarily talented, infusing her larger-than-life character with all the heart, charisma, humour, whip-smart intelligence, and flat-out magic that were, alongside whatever troubles and pain she carried, a part of her own personal palette.
"What a great gift it was to act with her, sing with her, and to just be her friend."
