Jack Coleman Remembers ‘Heroes’ Co-Star Hayden Panettiere, Says He‘s “Filled With Sorrow, Regret and Anger” Over Death

Hayden Panettiere's death at the age of 37 left a void in the industry. Her work on the hit NBC series, Heroes, where she portrayed the role of Claire Bennet, was particularly memorable for the show's creator, Tim Kring. In a recent column for Variety, Kring reflects on their collaboration, describing Panettiere's authenticity and skill that brought her character to life.

He recalls, "Hayden had no sense of jaded child actor quality to her." Panettiere's portrayal of Claire Bennet, an alter ego that mirrored her own teenage years, added a unique depth to the role. Kring further notes, "She had this bull-in-a-china-shop quality — a determination that really influenced how we wrote her character." The line between Claire Bennet and Hayden Panettiere seemed to blur, as Panettiere's distinctive voice and delivery made her character indelibly hers.

Kring's fondness for Panettiere extends beyond their professional relationship. Years later, he remembers her insisting on a simple, personal gesture – picking up the phone to call him directly, rather than involving his agent. Kring concludes by calling her "a joy and an inspiration to work with."