Hayden Panettiere death at 36 mourned by Kim Cattrall, 'Scream' costars

Jennifer Hassan, USA TODAYMon, August 17, 2026 at 10:09 AM UTC

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Heartbroken celebrities and former costars are paying tribute to actress Hayden Panettiere, who died Sunday, Aug. 16, at the age of 36.

Panettiere's representative confirmed her death to USA TODAY. A cause of death has not yet been shared.

"I love you. Don't be gone. Don't be gone. Please. Please," actress Selma Blair wrote in a comment underneath the "This Is Me: A Reckoning" author's final Instagram post.

Childhood friend and fellow child star Heather Matarazzo shared a touching Instagram post in Panettiere's memory, writing, "Devastated…… 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," the "Princess Diaries" actress added. "Truly a light….. Love you, Hayden."

Actress Viola Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in movies like "The Architect" and "Custody," described her former costar as an "old, wise soul with such a deep heart" and vowed that the star would be remembered. "I wish the world had more time with you," Davis wrote.

Remembering Hayden Panettiere: Actress Hayden Panettiere dies at 36

Kim Cattrall mourns 'Ice Princess' costar Hayden Panettiere

Emmy-nominated actress Kim Cattrall, who played Panettiere's mother in the 2005 Disney film "Ice Princess," mourned Panettiere's death in an Instagram post.

Cattrall's character, ice-skating rink manager and coach Tina Harwood, pushes her daughter, Gen (Panettiere), to be the ultimate champion with a strict regimen and a no-nonsense attitude. The "Sex and the City" alum included a throwback photo of the actresses in her tribute.

"Rest in peace, sweet Hayden," Cattrall wrote. "Gone far too soon 💔"

'Ice Princess': Hayden Panettiere's death comes a year after costar Michelle Trachtenberg

'Scream' stars Neve Campbell, Emma Roberts remember Hayden Panettiere

"Scream" franchise star Neve Campbell, who worked alongside Panettiere on the horror series' fourth film, said in a statement shared with USA TODAY, "I found Hayden to be really kind and funny and brought a magnetic energy to set. She was a true talent which shows in the decades she worked in such a short life. Her family and loved ones are in my prayers."

David Arquette, who costarred with Panettiere in "Scream 4," commented on Instagram, "I love you Hayden." Fellow "Scream 4" star Emma Roberts also shared a tribute on Instagram, writing, "Rest in peace my sweet friend. you are so loved and you will be forever missed ❤️."

Panettiere's "Scream VI" costars Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown also shared remembrances via their Instagram Stories.

"Rest in peace sweet Hayden," Barrera wrote alongside a broken heart emoji, while Ortega captioned a heartfelt childhood photo of Panettiere, "This is such a devastating loss. Rest well."

Gooding also shared a throwback image of the actress with more "Scream" costars, writing: "To have endured. And to be kind. To be considerate and warm the way you were. … Rest easy, rest in peace. We love you always." And in an Instagram Story, Brown wrote, "Rest well Hayden, you deserve peace."

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'Heroes' star Masi Oka 'heartbroken' about Hayden Panettiere death

Masi Oka, who played Hiro Nakamura opposite Panettiere on "Heroes," paid tribute to his late costar in an emotional statement on X.

"Absolutely heartbroken to hear about Hayden," Oka wrote. "I had the privilege of working closely with her, and I'll always remember her for her beautiful spirit, immense talent and the joyful energy she brought to everything she did and the people around her."

"She was way wiser beyond her years and now gone too soon," Oka added. "My heart goes out to her family and everyone who loved her. Rest in peace, Hayden."

Bethany Joy Lenz, Rosie O'Donnell, more share tributes

Singer JoJo wrote on her Instagram story that news of Panettiere's death was "devastating."

Comedian Rosie O'Donnell shared a photo of Panettiere on Instagram, writing, "Oh my god – heartbroken."

In an Instagram post, Bethany Joy Lenz said she was "crushed" by news of Panettiere's death, recalling how the pair first met when Panettiere was around 9 or 10. "Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life," Joy Lenz wrote.

"I’m sorry for every moment I didn’t reach out or check in," the actress wrote. "This can't be real."

A teary-eyed Alyson Stoner, who shared the voice-acting role of Kairi with Panettiere in Disney’s "Kingdom Hearts" video game series, paid an emotional video tribute to the late actress on Instagram.

"From one Kairi to another… One sky, one destiny. 🕊️ My deepest condolences to Hayden’s family, community, and the many lives Hayden reached," the dancer, 33, wrote. "May you rest in freedom, Hayden. 💕✨ And sending love to my fellow KH community worldwide who have cherished Hayden’s work as Kairi through the decades. Take care."

Jay Shetty mourns Hayden Panettiere months after interview

Podcaster Jay Shetty, who interviewed Panettiere on his "On Purpose" podcast in May a few months before her death, also paid tribute to the star. "I can't believe it. Our friendship had just begun and I was so moved by the conversation we shared earlier this year," he wrote on Instagram.

The actress had spoken out in recent years about her troubles with addiction and the effects of childhood stardom. Panettiere, whose career began when she was a baby, is best known for her roles in TV series like "Heroes" and "Nashville."

"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," her father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement.

Panettiere is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Contributing: Anika Reed and Edward Segarra, USA TODAY

This story has been to add new information.

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