Hollywood mourns Hayden Panettiere after shock death at 36

Tributes are pouring in for actress Hayden Panettiere, who has died aged 36. Panettiere, a former child star who rose to fame in the hit television series *Heroes* and *Nashville*, died on Sunday. Her father, Alan “Skip” Panettiere, confirmed her death in a statement to ABC News, describing her as “an incredible light and a force of nature” who brought “immeasurable love and joy” to those around her. Details surrounding her death have not been disclosed. She was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. Actress Viola Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in the 2016 film *Custody*, remembered her as “an old, wise soul with such a deep heart.” Davis also reflected on Panettiere's struggles, writing that her “tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy.” Actress Connie Britton said she has no words for this “sad song.” “Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright. I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you, girl. Sleep easy now.” Actress Selma Blair also shared an emotional tribute, expressing disbelief at her friend's death. Jay Shetty, a podcaster who interviewed Panettiere this May about her addiction history and the sudden death of her brother at the age of 28 in 2023, said he was in “disbelief.” “You were so special,” he wrote on Instagram. Behind her successful career, Panettiere was open about her struggles with addiction, mental health, and the pressures of growing up in the public eye. In her memoir, *This Is Me: A Reckoning*, she detailed her experiences with alcohol and opioid addiction and her recovery. Panettiere also spoke publicly about the traumatic birth of her daughter, Kaya, whom she shares with Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko. In an interview with NPR radio in May, Panettiere said she was able to cry on cue just by channeling difficult emotions. The skill helped her career, but “the thoughts and the places that I had to go in my head became darker and darker.” Her death comes just days before what would have been her 37th birthday.