August 18, 2026
Michelle Rodriguez Remembers Hayden Panettiere


Michelle Rodriguez is sharing her memories of Hayden Panettiere after the โ€œScream 4โ€ star died at age 36 on Sunday.

Rodriguez and Panettiere co-hosted the World Music Awards back in 2010. When asked what she remembers about Panettiere while walking the carpet at the 25th anniversary screening of โ€œThe Fast and the Furious,โ€ Rodriguez told Variety, โ€œHer curious spirit and how happy and joyous she is, because thatโ€™s her memory, right? Iโ€™ve got to tell you, man, I just canโ€™t stand how many young people are leaving us lately. Itโ€™s disheartening, and itโ€™s making me think, โ€˜Whatโ€™s going on?โ€™ Itโ€™s not normal.โ€

She added, โ€œI donโ€™t want to speculate about anything, but itโ€™s weird. Just in general, the amount and the volume of it since 2010 to now, itโ€™s a lot.โ€

Many celebrities shared tributes for Panettiere online after news broke of her death. Viola Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in the 2016 drama film โ€œCustody,โ€ shared a tribute on Instagram, writing, โ€œI 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. You will be remembered. Rest well, Hayden. Sending healing prayers to your family, your daughter, and all who loved you. May they always speak your name.โ€

Panettiereโ€™s good friend and โ€œOne Tree Hillโ€ star Bethany Joy Lenz likewise posted a remembrance on social media, along with photos of them together throughout the years. She wrote, โ€œI 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 elseโ€™s. Her intelligence was astonishing. She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child Iโ€™d ever seen on camera. And sheโ€™d sit with you for a great conversation, then giggle and go play.โ€

A cause of death has yet to be released. Panettiereโ€™s father told ABC News on Sunday night, โ€œIt 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 โ€” and to the millions who watched her onscreen.โ€

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