Hayden Panettiere opened up about her acting career, which started before she was a year old. Actors have been grieving her unexpected death days before her 37th birthday through public statements.
Anna Paquin spoke about her experience as a child star and offered support to other actors.
Anna Paquin Says Hayden Panettiere and Other Child Stars’ Deaths Aren’t a Coincidence
The “True Blood” star was cast in her first movie at nine years old and could relate to Panettiere. She posted a picture of her statement on Instagram on Aug. 21.
“It’s not a coincidence that so many former, specifically pre-sexualized female, child ‘stars’ have profoundly sad lives and untimely ends. We were not as protected by the ‘systems’ that look great on paper, as we are supposed to be,” the post started.
It’s believed that the next initials refer to Panettiere. The next is Michelle Trachtenberg of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer, who died in 2025 at 39 because of complications from diabetes. Lastly, Daveigh Chase from “Lilo & Stitch” died at 35 from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
“RIP HP, MT, DC and too many others,” Paquin’s statement continued. “It’s a strange small club we belong to and you are worthy of support no matter how our industry made us feel. Literally DM me. I believe you and I will stand by your side. You aren’t alone. Let’s have each other’s backs. It might make public disclosure less terrifying.”
There are rules aimed to protect children on set, but that isn’t always followed. Paquin clarified that she wanted to support former young actors who were sexually exploited.
She added in a comment, “Quick edit- I’m speaking very specifically about the experience as a child on set that finds themselves prematurely a ‘sex object.’ I’m not implying damage is not done outside of the context of entertainment. But that is a longer post for a different moment. Also I used the women’s initials because I ran out of space. Nothing to be read into. Just logistics.”
Panettiere Spoke About Her Bad Experience as a Child Actor
GettySome actors commented on the post. Alyssa Milano, Rowan Blanchard, Shiri Appleby, Marguerite Moreau, and Evan Rachel Wood responded with one or more heart emojis.
Mara Wilson, known for “Matilda,” wrote, “Thank you so much for this.”
Many child actors start with their parents acting as their manager or agent in the business. Adding business and money complicates the relationship between a parent and child.
Panettiere and her brother Jansen acted as children. He died in 2023 from an undiagnosed heart condition. She spoke about being heartbroken over his death and her relationship with her estranged mom, Lesley Vogel in interviews and her memoir.
“Everything was business,” the “Heroes” star told Jay Shetty. “I became the confidant and the assistant and the therapist and the shoulder to cry on and everything but her child.”
She told Vogel that she no longer wanted to work with her and wanted to have a familial relationship solely. Panettiere claimed that her mom said, “You owe me,” and walked out.
The “Nashville” star also revealed an NBC executive kissed her at a party in her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning.” She claimed an Oscar-winning director inappropriately exposed himself to her at an apartment party.
This isn’t a unique experience. But it’s good that Paquin is offering support to other former actors who experience sexual exploitation since there are few resources available.
