The entertainment community continues to process the loss of Hayden Panettiere, who passed away at the age of 36 in Greenville, South Carolina. As fans and colleagues grieve the former child star and Golden Globe-nominated actress, an outpouring of tributes has poured in across social media from the co-stars, mentors, and friends who knew her best.
From her early breakout work in film to her iconic roles on television and in horror cinema, Panettiere left a lasting mark on those she shared the screen with.
Emma Roberts
Panettiere’s Scream 4 co-star Emma Roberts shared a photo of the two during the filming of Wes Craven’s 2011 slasher hit, writing a brief but heartbreaking message for her former castmate:
“Rest in peace my sweet friend. You are so loved and you will be forever missed.”
Viola Davis
Oscar winner Viola Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in the 2016 drama Custody, offered one of the most powerful and poetic tributes to the actress’s spirit, resilience, and growth:
“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…”
Connie Britton
For six seasons on ABC and CMT’s Nashville, Connie Britton played Rayna Jaymes opposite Panettiere’s fiery Juliette Barnes. Britton shared a series of behind-the-scenes memories of their time together on set:
“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.”
Kim Cattrall
Sex and the City star Kim Cattrall, who played Panettiere’s mother in Disney’s 2005 figure-skating movie Ice Princess, posted a photo of the duo from the film alongside a simple message:
“Rest in peace sweet Hayden. Gone far too soon.”
As condolences continue to flood in from peers across the film and television industry, Panettiere is being remembered not only for her magnetic talent on screen, but for her warmth, honesty, and enduring strength. She is survived by her daughter, Kaya Evdokia Klitschko, her parents, and her loved ones.
Matt Lanter Remembers Their Shared Screen History
Lanter took to Instagram to share a throwback photo of the pair, recalling their history playing on-screen couples across two major network shows—first as teenagers on ABC’s Commander in Chief and later on Season 1 of NBC’s hit series Heroes, where he played Brody Mitchum opposite Panettiere’s Claire Bennet.
“So sad to hear of Hayden’s passing. She played my girlfriend on Commander in Chief then I went over to her show and played her boyfriend on S1 of Heroes,” Lanter wrote. “We always had a great time on set and tons of laughs… ❤️ Man, just too young.”
Melissa Barrera pays tribute to Hayden Panettiere:
“I’m still in shock. Hayden should still be here. I feel so incredibly lucky that I got to grow up watching her and admiring her, and that I got to know her and share the screen with her. She will always be an icon in my book. Her strength and her light, despite everything she went through, were so evident and will always stay with me. I am forever grateful to her because she showed up for me when no one else did. That was just the kind of person she was: A rare, honest, badass who felt so deeply. Such a heart-shattering loss.”
