Until Dawn and Kingdom Hearts actor Hayden Panettiere has died at age 36.
Kingdom Hearts and Until Dawn star Hayden Panettiere has died at age 36, Deadline reports. A representative for the actor shared a statement to ABC confirming the tragic news:
"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."
The actor’s cause of death is unknown.
Hayden Panettiere dies aged 36
News of Hayden Panettiere’s passing was made public on 17 August (GMT+8), though her cause of death was not disclosed. Kingdom Hearts fans will remember Panettiere for voicing Kairi in Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts II, and Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep. She also played Xion in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. The actor did not reprise her dual roles for Kingdom Hearts III, where Alyson Stoner voiced both Kairi and Xion.
Panettiere also played Samantha "Sam" Giddings, one of the main playable characters in the PlayStation horror game Until Dawn. The actor reprised the role for a post-credit scene in Until Dawn's 2024 remake, seemingly to tease a future sequel. However, Until Dawn 2 was later announced without her character returning to the fray.
Panettiere is best known for her starring roles in movies and TV shows, including the Scream franchise and Heroes. The industry mourns her loss.
