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.”
R.I.P Hayden Panettiere ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/gWZyz3yDjy
— EvanAC (@EvanAboutCinema) August 17, 2026
Hayden Panettiere on voicing Dot in ‘A Bug’s Life’ pic.twitter.com/WfgJVLdZZ3
— MR. POP (@MrPopOfficial) August 17, 2026
Hayden’s Panettiere last scene in Scream Franchise as Kirby Reed.
Rest in peace queen. You were an amazing person and human being.🕊️ pic.twitter.com/g2bXsEtTNV
— Scream News (@Scream_News_) August 17, 2026
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.”
Putting together my absolute favorite scenes of Kairi played by Hayden Panettiere out of tribute.
Once again Rest In Peace legend, and thank you for touching millions of KH fans’ hearts with your performance, from childhood to adulthood. 🤍🕊️ pic.twitter.com/8qMta2xH2p
— Pauly🖤🏳️⚧️ (@PaulavenXIII) August 17, 2026
😢
What a sad end to such a beautiful Kingdom Hearts weekend.
Actress Hayden Panettiere, the voice of Kairi, has passed away at age 36. RIP. pic.twitter.com/Dw0G9msJzg
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) August 17, 2026
— AJ (@AjepArts) August 17, 2026
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.”
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Hayden Panettiere. Hayden brought Sam to life in Until Dawn, shaping her into one of horror gaming’s most iconic final girls. Our thoughts are with her friends, family, and our community. Rest in peace, Hayden 🦋💔 pic.twitter.com/FauCpZ8Vrf
— Supermassive Games (@SuperMGames) August 17, 2026
Just recorded this incase people wanted to see! This is Hayden Panettiere’s behind the scenes moments from the 2024 Until Dawn Remake I recorded on PS5 Pro! Thought people would like to see this <3 Rest In Peace, Hayden! #HaydenPanettiere #UntilDawn #UntilDawnRemake #PS5Share pic.twitter.com/4GM8EotETz
— 🕊️🦋Trish Redcroft🦋🕊️ (@xoBaeTrishox) August 17, 2026
until dawn is a game that forever shaped my love for the horror genre, sam was always my favourite character, so this hurts beyond belief, i’m incredibly thankful for everything hayden brought to her, and for the memories she gave us through such a special character 💙 pic.twitter.com/6Rj07Ntej8
— sonia (@finalgirlsonia) August 17, 2026
“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.
Melissa Barrera, Kevin Williamson and David Arquette have posted about Hayden’s death.#Scream pic.twitter.com/lW5l6GaQuc
— Scream News (@Scream_News_) August 17, 2026
Oh dear, Hayden’s stunt double in Nashville, Kilee Overley 💔 https://t.co/bHBCZycIoJ pic.twitter.com/E9veRjjI7r
— Edward Burger (not Berger) ❤️🌈 (@edwardbrgr) August 17, 2026
We mourn the sudden passing of Hayden Panettiere. A child actor, Hayden’s long career in TV & film included memorable roles in ‘Heroes,’ ‘Nashville’ & more. Our hearts are with her daughter, family, friends & fans. #RIP. 🕊️ #SagAftraMember since 1994 https://t.co/oJSF7ch1hX
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 17, 2026
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).
