Hayden Panettiere, the actor known for TV series such as Nashville and Heroes, and the former voice performer for Kairi in the Kingdom Hearts series, has passed away. She was 36.
Panettiere’s extensive credits include roles in films such as Remember the Titans, I Love You, Beth Cooper, Scream 4, and, most recently, Sleepwalker. She portrayed Juliette Barnes in the CMT series Nashville and Claire Bennet in Heroes and Heroes Reborn.
Video game fans will recognize Panettiere as the original English voice of Kairi in multiple Kingdom Hearts games. She played Kairi in Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts II, and Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep. Panettiere did not return in Kingdom Hearts III, as Alyson Stoner took over Kairi’s role. Additionally, Panettiere voiced Xion in Birth by Sleep and Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance.
Panettiere also appeared in the 2015 horror game Until Dawn (and its 2024 remake) as Samantha “Sam” Giddings, one of the primary characters for which she lent her likeness and performed motion capture.
Hayden Panettiere in Until Dawn (2024)
Game Informer extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Hayden Panettiere.
