Hayden Panettiere’s mother has explained the reasons why she put her daughter into the limelight at such a young age. Lesley Vogel put Panettiere’s name forward for a project when she was just eight months old, but insisted she never imagined the decision would lead to a lifelong career in acting.
Vogel made the revelation in an interview with Daily Mail, saying her original plan was essentially just an attempt to earn some money that could then go into savings for Panettiere’s future. Believing she was a particularly photogenic baby, Vogel initially chose modelling work to earn money toward her daughter’s education.
Hayden Panettiere’s Mom Never Expected Her to Become a Professional Actor
Speaking in the interview, Vogel was keen to point out that it was not her plan to have Panettiere enter a life in show business. “She started with Wilhelmina at eight months old because she’s a beautiful baby,” Vogel said. “My thought then was, let her do some stuff, we’ll put it in her college fund, and she’ll go to college and she’ll have this.”
Despite that, Panettiere went on to become one of the most recognizable child actors of her generation before eventually finding adult success in the likes of “Heroes” and “Nashville.” According to Vogel, though, she didn’t see that coming. “I never expected her to be a professional actor, never,” she added.
Panettiere’s career accelerated quickly from a young age. She appeared in several commercials as a baby before landing roles on the soap operas “One Life to Live” and “Guiding Light.”
The actress then had minor movie roles along with recurring and guest parts in television series, such as “Remember the Titans” and “Raising Helen.” Ultimately, “Heroes” turned Panettiere into an established figure and household name, where she portrayed the cheerleader Claire Bennet.
Her other standout performance came in the music drama series “Nashville.” She played country singer Juliette Barnes for six seasons, winning critical acclaim and award nominations.
Hayden Panettiere Later Had Complicated Feelings About Her Childhood Career
Panettiere had a complicated relationship with both her mother and her childhood career in the entertainment industry. She has spoken candidly about growing up in show business and the stress and responsibilities she felt as a child.
The actress has also said her relationship with Vogel eventually became strained as she matured. Panettiere ended their professional relationship when she was 19 and was cast in “Heroes,” with the pair later becoming estranged.
“Everything was business,” Panettiere said while discussing her childhood during an appearance on Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast. She described feeling that she had become far more than simply a daughter to her mother and that the relationship didn’t feel loving.
