Tributes have been pouring in to honour Hayden Panettiere after her death. The actress, 36, was best known for her roles in films like Remember the Titans and Bring It On: All or Nothing, and in TV shows like Nashville and Heroes. Her death is being investigated by South Carolina’s Greenville Police Department after an apparent overdose.
“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,” said her father, Skip Panettiere, in a statement to Rolling Stone provided by the actress’s rep. “We ask for privacy as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss.”
Many co-stars, colleagues, and fans immediately offered their condolences and memories on Panettiere’s final Instagram post prior to her death. “I love you. Don’t be gone. Don’t be gone. Please. Please,” Selma Blair wrote. “I’m dying. Please be here.” In a separate comment, Blair added, “I love you whale tail my friend.”
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Rosie O’Donnell made a tribute post on Instagram and wrote, “Oh my god – heartbroken #hayden” with a crying emoji. A clip from Panettiere’s appearance on The Rosie O’Donnell Show has gone viral since news of her death hit. In it, the then-11-year-old actress performs an a cappella cover of Britney Spears’ hit “(You Drive Me) Crazy,” while O’Donnell looks on amazed. “Hayden, that’s very good!” the host tells Panettiere with a high-five.
Viola Davis, who worked with the actress in the 2016 film Custody, wrote on Instagram, “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.…”
Panettiere’s Scream franchise co-stars Melissa Barrera and David Arquette also shared brief tributes. “Rest in peace sweet Hayden,” Barrera, who starred alongside the actress in Scream VI, wrote on her Instagram stories with a broken-heart emoji. Arquette, who starred in Scream 4, wrote on his Instagram stories atop a picture of Panettiere’ 2026 memoir, This Is Me: Reckoning, “Sending my love to Hayden and her family,” he said, adding, “She was such a brave and brilliant soul.”
Emma Roberts wrote a tribute to her Scream 4 co-star as well. “Rest in peace my sweet friend,” she said. “You are so loved and you will be forever missed.” Roberts also appeared on the Ice Princess soundtrack with the song “If I Had It My Way.”
From Rolling Stone US
