Hayden Panettiere, the actress who became a household name as cheerleader Claire Bennet on NBC’s Heroes and later starred as country music singer Juliette Barnes on Nashville, has died at the age of 36.

Her representative confirmed her death to ABC News on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” her representative said in a statement.

“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,” the statement continued.

No cause of death or further details surrounding the circumstances of her death were immediately released.

Panettiere rose to international fame with Heroes, which premiered in 2006. Her portrayal of Claire Bennet, a teenager with the ability to rapidly heal from injuries, became one of the show’s most recognizable performances.

She later took on another major role in Nashville, playing aspiring country singer Juliette Barnes. The series ran for six seasons and showcased Panettiere’s acting and singing abilities.

Beyond her television career, Panettiere was also known for her work as a child actress and appeared in numerous films and television projects throughout her career.

In May 2026, Panettiere released her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, in which she reflected on growing up in Hollywood, motherhood, postpartum depression and her struggles with substance abuse.

The memoir offered a deeply personal look at the pressures she faced while growing up in the entertainment industry and becoming a mother.

Panettiere is survived by her daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with former partner Wladimir Klitschko.

Her death marks a heartbreaking loss for fans who watched her grow from a young performer into one of television’s most recognizable stars.

At just 36, Panettiere leaves behind a career that spanned decades — and performances that made Claire Bennet and Juliette Barnes unforgettable characters for millions of viewers around the world.