Hayden Panettiere had plenty left she wanted to accomplish before her death at 36.
The “Heroes” and “Nashville” actress died Aug. 16, leaving behind a career that began when she was a child and included television, film and music. But months before her passing, Panettiere made it clear she was looking toward another chapter.
At a May book signing for her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” Panettiere discussed the projects she still hoped to pursue.
When asked what she wanted to do next, she said she had a “laundry list,” in an Instagram post shared by PEOPLE.
She Wanted to Create a Safe Space for Actors
“I would love to direct. I really want to direct and be that person that creates a safe environment for actors. Be like, ‘This is the experience you’re supposed to have,’” the actress said.
Panettiere also wanted to expand beyond acting.
“I would love to produce and trying my hand in writing. I would love to — anything creative. Something that brings money in, so I don’t have to wait for roles.”
Directing appeared especially meaningful to Panettiere because of her own experiences working in Hollywood from a young age.
She wanted to create an environment where performers, particularly young actors, could feel supported.
Her ambitions were not limited to the ideas she shared at the book signing. In a May 18 interview with E! News, Panettiere spoke about her desire to return to acting more consistently.
“It’s my outlet,” she said. “I need it.”
Panettiere had taken a lengthy break from Hollywood after “Nashville” ended in 2018. She returned to the screen in 2023’s “Scream VI” and went on to appear in three films, including “Sleepwalker,” which was released in January.
“I needed that break that I finally gave myself after so many years,” Panettiere said of her time away from Hollywood, “but I also realized that idle minds are the devil’s playground, and that is very true for me.”
She was candid about why having creative work mattered to her.
“If I don’t have an outlet—an emotional outlet—something to do, something to put my heart into, and something to be passionate about, then I end up self-destructing.”
She had spoken openly about her struggles and the importance of having healthy outlets. Writing was another direction she had begun exploring.
“I’m currently trying my hand at writing a show,” Panettiere told the outlet.
She Spoke About Changes She Made in Her Life
The actress also discussed the personal changes she was making in her life, including learning to establish boundaries and become more intentional about the people around her.
“[I’m] always checking in with myself, being self-aware, being surrounded by healthy people who bring out the best in me,” she shared, “just trying to keep in touch with my myself and what’s going on, and then setting personal boundaries, not being a ‘yes’ person all the time.”
“I had no idea you could say ‘no’ for a very, very long time,” Panettiere continued, “and I’m an empath, so if I make somebody feel uncomfortable or disappointed or upset, I feel it myself, so I don’t want to let anybody down.”
Panettiere died in Greenville, South Carolina, on Aug. 16. Her death remains under investigation.
Authorities have said her cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and additional studies, while the DEA has joined the probe.
In the months before her death, Panettiere was not simply looking back on her career. She was planning what she wanted the next part of it to become.
