The soap world is mourning one of its former child stars. Hayden Panettiere died on August 16, 2026, at the age of 36, her family confirmed through her publicist. While Panettiere would go on to become best known for roles like Claire Bennet on “Heroes” and Juliette Barnes on “Nashville,” her long career in front of the camera included an important connection to daytime television.
“GH” stars Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson took to their Stone Cold and the Jackal social media pages to pay tribute to the late actress, prompting longtime soap viewers to share their own memories of watching Panettiere grow up on screen. Read on for a look back at her daytime beginnings and how soap fans are remembering her.
Hayden Panettiere Got Her Start in Daytime Television
Long before “Heroes” and “Nashville” made Panettiere a familiar face to primetime audiences, the young actress was getting her start in the world of soap operas.
Panettiere landed her first major acting role at just 4 years old, joining “One Life to Live” as Sarah Roberts in 1994. She remained with the ABC soap until 1997.
In 1996, Panettiere also joined “Guiding Light” as Lizzie Spaulding, a role she would continue playing through 2000.
For longtime soap viewers, those early roles remain an important part of Panettiere’s legacy.
“I loved watching her as Lizzie on Guiding Light,” one fan remembered while offering condolences to the actress’ family.
Another viewer remembered following Panettiere well beyond her soap opera years.
“I remember her being a little girl on OLTL and then being magical all over again in the ABC show Nashville with Jonathan Jackson,” the fan wrote, calling news of her death “so very sad.”
Others will always associate the actress with the little girl they watched grow up in Springfield.
“RIP Hayden. You will always be Lizzie to me,” one viewer wrote.
Her Career Continued to Cross Paths With Familiar Soap Stars
Panettiere may have left daytime television behind as she got older, but her career continued to cross paths with several actors familiar to soap fans.
One viewer recalled a particularly interesting “Guiding Light” connection, writing, “I remember her on Guiding Light. Ric played her uncle, Alan Michael.”
The fan was referring to Rick Hearst, who currently portrays Ric Lansing on “General Hospital.” Years before his current run in Port Charles, Hearst played Alan-Michael Spaulding on “Guiding Light,” making his character the uncle of Panettiere’s Lizzie.
Panettiere would later reunite with another familiar face from daytime during one of the biggest roles of her adult career.
She starred as country singer Juliette Barnes on “Nashville,” while longtime “General Hospital” star Jonathan Jackson, known to soap fans as Lucky Spencer, portrayed Avery Barkley. Panettiere’s performance on the musical drama ultimately earned her two Golden Globe nominations.
For some soap fans, seeing the two former daytime stars together made “Nashville” particularly memorable.
“I loved Nashville, and have been rewatching it recently,” one viewer shared, praising Panettiere’s work as Juliette, particularly alongside Jackson and Connie Britton. “So very sad! May her family and friends find peace.”
Panettiere’s career ultimately extended far beyond her soap beginnings. In addition to “Nashville,” she became widely recognized for portraying cheerleader Claire Bennet on “Heroes” and appeared in projects including “Remember the Titans” and the “Scream” franchise.
Soap Fans Remember an Actress They Watched Grow Up
For viewers who first discovered Panettiere as a child on daytime television, news of her death brought back decades of memories.
One fan remembered both sides of her career, writing, “I loved her as Lizzie Spalding on Guiding Light and as a cheerleader on Heroes.”
Another viewer had followed Panettiere since those early years in Springfield.
“This news is heartbreaking. First watched her as Lizzie, as a child,” the fan wrote, adding that they “loved her in everything she was in” before sending their condolences to her family and loved ones.
Others remembered that Panettiere’s talents extended beyond acting.
“This is so sad,” one fan wrote. “She was an amazing actress and had such a beautiful voice.”
Another viewer kept their tribute simple, writing, “This is so shocking! Much love and prayers to her family.”
From “One Life to Live” and “Guiding Light” to “Heroes” and “Nashville,” Panettiere spent most of her life in front of an audience. For longtime soap viewers in particular, her death means saying goodbye not only to an accomplished actress, but to a performer many of them first watched when she was just a little girl.
