Panettiere’s father has asked for privacy “as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss”, in a statement issued through her representative.
Oscar winner Viola Davis, who featured alongside Panettiere in the 2016 courtroom drama film Custody, shared a tribute to her former co-star on Instagram, external.
She said: “What an amazing talent you were…. so gifted.”
Davis’s husband Julius Tennon also appeared in the film with them, playing a court officer, and she noted how “Julius and I loved working with you…. an old, wise soul with such a deep heart”.
Davis added: “I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming. I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy.”
Panettiere’s long-time friend and One Tree Hill star Bethany Joy-Lenz, who knew her since she was a child actress, said she was “crushed” by her death.
Sharing photos of them together online, external, she wrote: “I’m crushed. I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between blocking and camera rehearsals.
“Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else’s. Her intelligence was astonishing. She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I’d ever seen on camera. And she’d sit with you for a great conversation, then giggle and go play.”
She added: “Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming back to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surround by love. I’m sorry for every moment I didn’t reach out or check in. This can’t be real.”
Cruel Intentions actress Selma Blair paid tribute on social media, saying: “I love you. Don’t be gone. Please”.
Singer Jojo described it as “devastating news”. On her Instagram story she wrote wrote: “I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Oh My God.”
Talk show host Rosie O’Donnell also commented: “‘Oh my God – heartbroken…”
Actors’ union Sag-Aftra, of which Panettiere was a longstanding member, says “our hearts are with her daughter, family, friends & fans”.
Sister, Sister actress Tia Mowry and Celebrity Big Brother star Courtney Stodden both simply shared heartbroken emojis.
