Kingdom Hearts and Until Dawn actress Hayden Panettiere has died at 36

Hayden Panettiere, a renowned actress with a diverse career in television, film, and video games, has passed away at the age of 36. Her father, Alan Skip Panettiere, announced her death to ABC News with a heartfelt statement, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of their beloved child star. Panettiere's career spanned nearly her entire life, but she achieved widespread recognition in the 2000s for her role as Claire Bennet in the hit television series Heroes.

Her portrayal of the superhero earned her a dedicated fanbase and solidified her status as a prominent figure in the industry. Apart from her television and film appearances, Panettiere also made notable contributions to the world of video games. She lent her voice to the iconic character Kairi in the Kingdom Hearts series, a role she continued to reprise in its sequels and Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance.

Additionally, she provided both her voice and likeness to Sam Giddings in the critically acclaimed interactive horror game Until Dawn. Panettiere's portrayal of Sam's sister, Samara, was widely praised and remains a fan favorite. Her final credited role in a video game was a post-credits scene in the 2024 remake of Until Dawn. The video game community has expressed its grief over her untimely death, with many hailing her as one of the most recognizable names in the industry.

Hayley Joel Osment, the voice of the main character Sora in Kingdom Hearts, shared a tribute to Panettiere on Instagram, noting that she will be forever missed.