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Hayden Panettiere Tributes Pour in as Fans and Co-Stars Remember Kingdom Hearts, Scream Actress

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Hayden Panettiere Tributes Pour in as Fans and Co-Stars Remember Kingdom Hearts, Scream Actress

Fans, friends, and co-stars have flooded social media with tributes as they remember Kingdom Hearts and Scream actress Hayden Panettiere.

The internet was left stunned when the late star’s father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed to ABC News that she had died at 36 in Greenville, South Carolina, Sunday, August 16. Details regarding her death are unclear, as the circumstances regarding her sudden passing remain under investigation by local authorities.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” her father told ABC News. “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.”

Tributes across social media haven’t stopped pouring in since. From every corner, those who have followed Panettiere’s work for the last few decades have highlighted her as a highly versatile talent with a career that touched movies, TV, video games, and more.

Panettiere began her career in Hollywood at a young age, appearing in shows like Aliens in the Family, Unhappily Ever After, and One Life to Live before she was 10. Most, however, remember one of her biggest early roles as being the voice of a small ant named Dot in Pixar’s A Bug’s Life.

While films like Remember the Titans, Dinosaur, Ice Princess, Bring It on: All or Nothing, and Tiger Cruise carried her time as a child star into the 2000s, video game fans have remembered her as the voice of Kairi in Kingdom Hearts 1 and 2. Fans and co-stars from Panettiere’s early work – including Alyson Stoner, who took over as Kairi in Kingdom Hearts 3 – have shared fond memories online.

“From one Kairi to another… One sky, one destiny,” Stoner said. “My deepest condolences to Hayden’s family, community, and the many lives Hayden reached. May you rest in freedom, Hayden. And sending love to my fellow KH community worldwide who have cherished Hayden’s work as Kairi through the decades.”

Panettiere touched a wide variety of genres as both a voice and on-screen actor before she was even 20 years old, but she was only just getting started. In 2011, she dipped her toes into the horror world as Kirby Reed in Scream 4. Nico Tortorella, who played Trevor Sheldon in the movie, offered his condolences with an Instagram Story.

“It’s your birthday in a few days. The same day as my mom’s. This one really hurts,” Tortorella said. “I love you so much, sis. We grew up together in so many ways, fought like siblings, loved like siblings, and somewhere along the way, you just became family. I know you were in so much pain. I hope wherever you are now, you’re surrounded by all the love and light you gave to so many of us. I miss you. I love you. Happy almost birthday, Hayd.”

“Rest in piece sweet Hayden,” Scream co-star Melissa Barrera said in her own Story.

Panettiere would reprise her role in the classic slasher franchise with Scream 6 in 2023. She was a horror icon in more ways than one, though, with another one of her most memorable gaming roles arriving in 2015’s Until Dawn. She also appeared in its 2024 remake. Developer Supermassive Games was one of the many to take to social media to remember her as “one of horror gaming’s most iconic final girls.”

“I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming,” Panettiere’s Custody co-star and The Help actress Viola Davis said. “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….”

From Heroes and Nashville to Kingdom Hearts and Remember the Titans, Panettiere left her mark on the entertainment world in a huge way. You can see some of the many, many other posts from Hollywood talent and fans alike to emerge since her passing below.

Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images.

Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).

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