Hollywood is mourning the loss of actress and “Heroes” star Hayden Panettiere, who passed away on August 16. Now, following her death, Viola Davis, who starred with her in Lifetime’s “Custody” and 2006’s “The Architect,” is paying tribute. Tragically, her death at 36 came mere months after her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning.”
Davis took to her Instagram account on August 17 to offer her comments on Panettiere. She did so by posting a photo of the late actress. She captioned the image, “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…”
Hayden Panettiere’s Cause of Death is Unknown
GettyAccording to ABC News, her representative released a statement on behalf of her father, Alan Panettiere. It stated, “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.”
The statement also called for privacy specifically for her father, “as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss.”
According to TMZ, local law enforcement confirmed they responded to an incident involving the actress and that there is currently an open investigation. Additionally, an insider told the outlet that the “Nashville” star had complained of back pain in the last year.
The outlet also reports that Panettiere’s death came after she and her boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, had flown from Los Angeles to the south on August 15.
The ‘Heroes’ Star Leaves Behind an Unforgettable Legacy
GettyPanettiere has a long history as an actress, having gotten her start in the 1990s with commercials. After that, she graduated to soaps, starring in popular shows like “One Life to Live” from 1994 until 1997 and then “Guiding Light” from 1996 until 2000.
Regarding her work on the big screen, she later appeared in “A Bug’s Life,” providing her voice for the role of Dot, and then in “Remember the Titans” in 2000. From there, she continued building her acting resume before what many consider to be her big break, NBC’s “Heroes,” came along in 2006. Notably, she was only 17 when the show premiered.
The series ran from 2006 until 2010. Some of her other notable roles include the ABC musical drama “Nashville,” “Scream VI,” and her final role, 2026’s “Sleepwalker.” Regarding her work with Davis, they starred in 2006’s “The Architect” and 2016’s “Custody.”
Panettiere released her memoir, “This is Me: A Reckoning,” in May 2026 after announcing it in January. She said in an Instagram post at the time, “Some stories are only yours to tell… My new memoir This is Me: A Reckoning releases May 12th! Link to pre-order is in my bio. Here we go!!! “
