Panettiere in 2022 Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images Tributes have been pouring in to honor 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.
