Hayden Panettiere’s death is sending shockwaves through Hollywood. The actress—known for film roles like Ice Princess and Bring It On: All or Nothing, and TV roles in Nashville and Heroes—tragically passed away on August 16 at the age of 36.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” her dad, Alan Panettiere, said in a statement shared by her representative. “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.”
See how Hayden’s former co-stars and friends in the entertainment industry have reacted to her untimely passing.
Bethany Joy Lenz
The One Tree Hill star, who worked alongside Hayden in Guiding Light, shared a lengthy tribute that shed light on what Hayden was like as a young child actress.
“I’m crushed,” she captioned an Instagram post that featured their moments together throughout the years. “I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between Guiding Light blocking and camera rehearsals. Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else’s. Her intelligence was astonishing. She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I’d ever seen on camera. And she’d sit with you for a great conversation, then giggle and go play.”
The actress explained that she and Hayden had always meant to reconnect over lunch and dinner, “but we never quite made it happen.”
“I’m sorry for every moment I didn’t reach out or check in. This can’t be real. These are moments of how I knew you, in glimpses over 26 years,” she concluded her post. “I don’t know how to process this. I am praying for you to know the peace of God now and always.”
Viola Davis
Viola—who worked with Hayden in Architect and Custody—recalled Hayden being an “amazing talent” and “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,” she continued. “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...”
Heather Matarazzo
The Princess Diaries alum reflected on Hayden’s passing, and shared that she initially met Hayden while on the way to auditions when they were still young.
“Devastated,” she captioned her Instagram post, paying tribute. “We first met on the LIRR traveling to NYC for auditions when we were both kids. Every time our paths crossed, my heart always filled up. She was special. She was a Sprite of a being and such a talent. Truly a light….. Love you, Hayden.”
Taryn Manning
The Crossroads actress said that Hayden “was always such a sweetheart...so rad, down to earth, kind, and consistently the same every time I saw her.”
“We shared so many funny little moments over the years, and this photo brings it all back. We were in Washington, D.C., surrounded by very suited- slightly strange men, and somehow we just kept catching each other’s eyes and laughing uncontrollably at the weirdness. And then we dipped out and ate a [sic] diner 😂,” Taryn added. “That was Hayden - down to clown - easy, funny, real. Just such a dear, a rad rad human. I don’t really have words for what has happened and she is suddenly gone. I’m just grateful I got to know her and have memories like this.”
Kenan Thompson
Kenan shared a simple photo of Hayden looking into the sunlight, and noted that her untimely death “hit hard.”
“Rest well Christy!!! Never could have imagined this day!! Sending so much love to her family!! She was a real one and one of the funniest people out here!!! Gonna miss you buddy!!!” the Saturday Night Live actor added.
Brit Shaw
Brit and Hayden starred alongside each other on ABC’s Nashville. Brit shared several photos of her and Hayden throughout the filming of the show, and shared with her followers that Hayden’s death came as “as shock.”
“Man, she was great. 🤍 She had this way of making you feel at home,” she added. “From the moment I walked onto the Nashville set, she made me feel like I belonged. We had so many good times together, and I’ll always be grateful for them. Girl, you taught me about probiotics before probiotics were even cool 💔 RIP ❤️🩹”
Ashlee Simpson
Ashlee took to Instagram to share a throwback photo of her and Hayden posing at a party together, circa 2005. “I’m deeply saddened by the news of Hayden Panettiere’s passing. Rest in peace, Hayden,” she captioned her Instagram post. “You will be deeply missed. 🕊️💔”
Kelly Osbourne
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of someone who meant so much to me,” she shared in an Instagram Story. “We understood each other in a way few truly can — recognizing how difficult it is to grow up in the spotlight, and how isolating it can feel even when surrounded by so many people.”
The post continued, “My heart grieves for someone so special to this world and such a good friend to me. I will never forget you, Hayden, and I will always believe you deserved better. Rest in peace, sweet princess. You will never be forgotten.”
See more celebrity tributes to Hayden below.
