Hollywood stars are mourning the death of Hayden Panettiere.
Panettiere, known for her roles in “Heroes,” “Nashville” and the “Scream” franchise, died Sunday at 36, her representative confirmed to Fox News Digital.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. 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,” her father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement provided to ABC News.
Following news of her death, friends, former co-stars and fellow celebrities shared emotional tributes to the actress on social media.
Viola Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in the 2016 movie “Custody,” remembered the actress as an “amazing talent” and reflected on the time they spent working together.
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Davis wrote on Instagram that she and her husband, Julius Tennon, “loved working” with Panettiere, describing her as an “old, wise soul” with a deep heart.
The Oscar winner said she wished the world had been given more time with Panettiere and reflected on watching the actress rebuild her life through difficult periods.
“You will be remembered,” Davis wrote before offering prayers for Panettiere’s family and daughter.
“One Tree Hill” actress Bethany Joy Lenz shared an emotional tribute to Panettiere, recalling that she had known her since childhood and expressing disbelief over her death.
“I’m crushed,” Lenz wrote on Instagram. “I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen.”
Lenz recalled Panettiere running through the halls of Screen Gems Studios as a child, describing her as remarkably perceptive and talented even at a young age.
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“I dont understand how this is real,” Lenz wrote. “Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life.”
“These are moments of how I knew you, in glimpses over 27 years,” she wrote alongside photos of them over the years. “I don’t know how to process this. I am praying for you to know the peace of God now and always.”
Panettiere’s “Nashville” co-star, Connie Britton, shared a carousel of images on Instagram with the late actress.
“This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright,” Britton wrote. “I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now.”
Alyson Stoner – who voiced the role of Kairi from the “Kingdom Hearts” series after Panettiere’s two-season debut – asked for “grace” as she remembered the late actress.
“Hey, this is very raw, it’s very messy, please give me some grace. I wanted to acknowledge Hayden’s passing,” Stoner told her Instagram followers in a video.
“I’ve worked with Hayden, I worked with Hayden’s brother Jansen, and from one Kairi to another, I just wanted to acknowledge the tremendous loss, not only for the ‘Kingdom Hearts’ family, but of course all of the close loved ones and the millions of lives that Hayden reached.
“Sending so much love to Hayden’s family. I’ll be thinking of Hayden and the legacy that she has left and sending lots of love to the ‘Kingdom Hearts’ community too and how we’re sharing in this loss.”
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Other celebrities and former co-stars also reacted to Panettiere’s death.
“Scream VI” co-star Melissa Barrera shared a brief tribute on Instagram Stories, writing, “Rest in peace sweet Hayden.”
Selma Blair left a series of emotional comments on Panettiere’s final Instagram post, pleading, “Don’t be gone.”
David Arquette, who appeared with Panettiere in “Scream 4,” also shared his heartbreak, writing on his Instagram Story, “Sending my love to Hayden and her family,” he wrote. “She was such a brave and brilliant soul.”
Rosie O’Donnell shared her shock in a brief Instagram reaction, writing, “Oh my god — heartbroken.”
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Podcaster Jay Shetty reflected on a friendship with Panettiere that he said had only recently begun. “I can’t believe it,” Shetty wrote in a comment on Variety’s Instagram. “Our friendship had just begun and I was so moved by the conversation we shared earlier this year. My love and condolences to her family and fans.”
“Heartbroken to hear about Hayden’s passing,” Derek Hough, who appeared alongside Panettiere on “Nashville,” wrote on Instagram. “The little time I got to spend with her, she was so sweet, so kind. I’ve always admired her work and the joy she brought people.”
Mario Lopez shared his own tribute on Instagram.
“Heartbroken over the loss of Hayden. I’ll always remember her warmth & beautiful spirit. Having known her family makes this loss feel especially personal. I’m holding Lesley and Skip close to my heart. Rest peacefully, you will be deeply missed… 🤍”
Panettiere’s cause of death has not been publicly announced.
Fox News Digital’s Stephen Solace and Tracy Wright contributed to this report.
