Former cast members of the supernatural television drama Heroes gathered for a deeply emotional reunion to celebrate the life of Hayden Panettiere following her death at age 36 on Aug. 16.
The meeting took place just over a week after the former star passed away, bringing together original cast members Jack Coleman, Santiago Cabrera, Adrian Pasdar, Masi Oka, Greg Grunberg and Jimmy Jean-Louis, alongside crew members who worked on the series.
Actors Zachary Quinto and Sendhil Ramamurthy joined the gathering virtually through video call screens displayed in the background, while lead actor Milo Ventimiglia, who previously dated Panettiere during their time co-starring on the show, was not present.
Panettiere rose to international fame playing Claire Bennet, a high school cheerleader with regenerative healing powers, on the NBC sci-fi series Heroes, which aired from 2006 to 2010. She joined the Screen Actors Guild union in 1994 at age 4 and built a career spanning soap operas, drama series and feature films.
Heroes cast members gather for reunion
Jimmy Jean-Louis, who played The Haitian on Heroes, shared details of the gathering in an Aug. 25 post on social media platform X.
"A HEROES reunion to celebrate the life of HAYDEN was deeply emotional," Jean-Louis wrote. "There was sadness in our hearts, but also so much love, gratitude, and warmth as we remembered the beautiful moments shared and the lasting impact of a life that touched so many. Au revoir Hayden."
Jack Coleman, who portrayed Noah Bennet, the father of Panettiere's character Claire, expressed his grief on Instagram on Aug. 17, describing himself as heartbroken.
"She brought joy to the set and a photographic memory," Coleman wrote. "Everyone was in awe of her ability to bring it every take. A tiny colossus who loved to laugh. We laughed a lot. That shining face, that megawatt smile, that wasn’t just for the camera. That was her. She glowed."
Masi Oka, who starred as time-traveler Hiro Nakamura, remembered her infectious energy on X on Aug. 17.
"I’ll always remember her for her beautiful spirit, immense talent, and the joyful energy she brought to everything she did and the people around her," Oka wrote.
Other former Heroes co-stars shared individual tributes online. David Anders wrote on Instagram that Panettiere was one of the brighter lights he had ever met, while Dania Ramirez stated her heart ached and offered comfort to Panettiere's daughter.
James Kyson, who played Ando Masahashi, recalled meeting Panettiere when she was 16 and noted her work as a protector of animal rights and kindness. Matt Lanter, who played her boyfriend in season one of Heroes after she played his girlfriend on Commander in Chief, remembered having a great time and tons of laughs on set.
Nashville and daytime drama co-stars pay tribute
Co-stars from Panettiere's other major television roles also shared memories of working alongside her over her three-decade career.
Connie Britton, who starred alongside Panettiere as country singer Rayma James on the drama series Nashville, posted photos on Aug. 17 highlighting their dynamic on set.
"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."
Daytime television colleagues recalled working with Panettiere during her childhood roles on soap operas, including CBS's long-running daytime drama Guiding Light.
Brittany Snow, who played Panettiere's stepsister on Guiding Light for three years, posted a throwback image on Instagram Story praising her remarkable talent, determination and bold spirit.
Bethany Joy Lenz, another Guiding Light co-star, recalled meeting Panettiere when Panettiere was nine or ten years old and running through the hallways at Screen Gem studios at 222 E44th St.
"Her intelligence was astonishing," Lenz wrote on Instagram, adding that she felt crushed by the news and expressed love for Panettiere's daughter.
Film co-stars and Hollywood figures remember actress
Tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry, reflecting Panettiere's work in feature films, comedy series and video games.
Hilary Duff, former star of Lizzie McGuire, shared an Instagram tribute recalling late-night chats with Panettiere when both were navigating young stardom, describing her as hardworking and effervescent.
Frankie Muniz, who starred with Panettiere in the 2005 family film Racing Stripes, posted on X that he had an amazing time working with her across multiple projects. Kim Cattrall, who played her mother in the 2005 Disney movie Ice Princess, posted a film photo on Instagram calling her gone far too soon.
Blake Lively posted a photo of Panettiere alongside late Ice Princess co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, urging followers to be kind, while Jenna Ortega posted on Instagram Story calling her death a devastating loss.
Ashley Tisdale noted on Aug. 17 that Panettiere shared her flaws and struggles later in life to make people feel less alone. Mario Lopez sent condolences to Panettiere's family members Lesley, Skip and Kaya, as well as her daughter.
Taryn Manning and Heather Matarazzo both recalled early encounters with Panettiere, with Matarazzo describing first meeting her on the Long Island Rail Road traveling to New York City for auditions as children.
Alyssa Milano highlighted Panettiere's advocacy and willingness to speak publicly on domestic violence, postpartum depression, addiction, recovery and abuse.
"Her activism was not polished or performative," Milano wrote. "It was instinctive, human, sometimes messy, often vulnerable, and always sincere."
Union officials and directors honour legacy
Industry organisations and creative collaborators also formally recognized Panettiere's contributions to television and film.
Labor union SAG-AFTRA issued a statement honoring the actress, who joined the union in 1994 at age 4, highlighting her long career from child actor to starring roles in Heroes and Nashville.
Brandon Auman, director of her final feature film Sleepwalker, wrote on Instagram that he was completely devastated, recalling profound personal stories she shared about growing up in the entertainment industry.
Alyson Stoner, who performed voice work alongside Panettiere in the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise, released a video addressing the loss felt by close loved ones and the gaming community.
Music video director Chris Applebaum shared a throwback clip from her 2008 music video for Wake Up Call, co-starring Sebastian Stan, recalling recent laughs and lighthearted moments shared with her.
Viola Davis, who co-starred with Panettiere in the 2016 film Custody alongside husband Julius Tennon, described her on Aug. 17 as a wise soul and a beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes.
Additional tributes were posted online by Kerry Washington, JoJo, Jeremy Renner, Selma Blair, Kelly Osbourne, Rosie O'Donnell, Melissa Barrera and podcaster Jay Shetty, who interviewed Panettiere in May about her sobriety journey and the death of her brother.
Panettiere is survived by her family and her daughter, while her former co-star Wladimir Klitschko also paid tribute on what would have been her 37th birthday.
