Hilary Duff is remembering the non-public late-night conversations she shared with Hayden Panettiere whereas the 2 younger actresses navigated fame in the course of the early 2000s. Following Panettiere’s sudden loss of life at 36, the “Lizzie McGuire” star mirrored on the uncommon connection they shaped as youngsters working inside an business few folks their age may totally perceive.
Though Duff acknowledged that the 2 girls finally misplaced contact, she stated her reminiscences of Panettiere stay outlined by the actress’ work ethic, power and unmistakable smile. “Candy Hayden. Actually powerful listening to this information,” Duff began her Instagram tribute. “We misplaced contact by way of the years however I’ll at all times bear in mind you as so hardworking and effervescent, with that massive, attractive smile.”
Duff and Panettiere adopted parallel paths into the leisure business. Duff grew to become a Disney Channel sensation by way of “Lizzie McGuire,” whereas Panettiere established herself on “One Life to Stay” earlier than transitioning into main movie and tv roles.
Behind the photographs introduced to audiences, the younger performers have been making an attempt to know the weird strain and accountability that got here with turning into well-known earlier than maturity. “I bear in mind staying up late, chatting and gossiping, and connecting as a result of we have been a part of such a small sliver of people that really understood the unusual lot in life we have been navigating. So younger, with no actual thought the way to make sense of any of it,” Duff wrote.
Duff concluded her tribute by expressing sorrow that Panettiere’s life had ended so younger. “I so deeply want this wasn’t the tip for you. Sending a coronary heart full of affection to your loved ones, the many individuals you impacted and everybody who liked you. relaxation simple,” she shared.
Hayden Panettiere Mentioned She ‘Didn’t Get A Likelihood To Be A Child’
Panettiere beforehand spoke concerning the sophisticated actuality beneath her childhood success. She started showing on “One Life to Stay” as Sarah Roberts at age 4, though she had already been working in commercials since infancy.
In a 2022 interview with PEOPLE, the actress defined that her early profession contained each significant experiences and lasting emotional penalties. “There are comfortable reminiscences, however there was additionally plenty of trauma,” Panettiere stated. “Crying again and again [in a scene], what does that do to a baby’s thoughts, once they’re praised for feeling unhappy?”
She additionally described struggling to know who she was away from the roles she performed. “I didn’t get an opportunity to be a child,” she continued. “And after I was at college, I used to be bullied. The lunchroom was the bane of my existence. I used to be solely about 12 after I had an id disaster. I simply didn’t know the place I slot in.”
Alexa PenaVega Displays On Youngster-Star Losses
Alexa PenaVega additionally addressed the pressures of rising up within the leisure business after Panettiere’s loss of life. The “Spy Children” star related Panettiere’s passing to the latest deaths of two different former little one performers: Michelle Trachtenberg, who died in February 2025 at 39 and Daveigh Chase, who died in June at 35. “Hayden, Michelle, Daveigh… my coronary heart is heavy at present,” PenaVega wrote on Instagram. “These aren’t simply names from my childhood. They’re women I grew up alongside, sharing a world that was thrilling and in addition extremely exhausting.”
PenaVega mirrored on the shortage of assist some younger actors skilled whereas making an attempt to navigate fame, grownup duties and public scrutiny. “We have been children navigating one thing so massive, and never everybody had the muse or assist they deserved,” she continued. “At the moment, I’m grieving and holding their households shut in my prayers and pondering of everybody nonetheless preventing battles we are able to’t see. Hug your folks shut at present.”
Panettiere Reportedly Endured ‘Actually Extreme’ Again Ache
Along with the struggles Panettiere had beforehand mentioned publicly, folks near her stated she skilled serious physical pain during the months before her death. Her hairstylist and good friend, Erick Orellana, stated Panettiere had been coping with vital again issues earlier within the yr. “I do know she suffered earlier this yr along with her again,” Orellana advised Page Six.
He described the ache as “actually extreme” and stated it affected her mobility. “At one level, it was even exhausting for her to maneuver her legs,” Orellana added.
Panettiere was photographed utilizing crutches whereas touring by way of Los Angeles Worldwide Airport with Brian Hickerson in March. Regardless of the severity of the sooner signs, Orellana believed that she was “beginning to be on the mend.”
A second supply recalled that the actress generally appeared exhausted however famous that her schedule and sleeping habits might have contributed. “Earlier this yr, she did appear a bit of drained at instances. However she was an evening owl, and … she has quite a bit on her plate,” the insider stated.
The supply additionally claimed Panettiere “suffered from anxiousness at instances” and would “sometimes take medicine for that,” and “once in a while that would affect her speech.”
Hayden Panettiere’s Trigger Of Dying Stays Undetermined
Panettiere died Sunday, August 16, after being discovered unresponsive at an Airbnb rental contained in the Judson Mill Lofts advanced in Greenville, South Carolina. Paramedics responded to a 911 call involving an “unidentified female” in cardiac arrest.
Dispatch audio referenced an “overdose” and indicated that “CPR [was] in progress.” Emergency personnel tried to revive Panettiere utilizing superior cardiac life assist and chest compressions, however she was pronounced useless at 2:32 p.m.
The investigation has not but produced an official trigger.
