Hayden Panettiere has established herself as a prominent actress, beginning her career as a child and evolving into a recognized television star in recent years. Growing up with a mother in the entertainment industry, Lesley Vogel, Panettiere’s journey started when she was just eleven months old, acting in commercials. Her dedication to acting meant she was homeschooled, allowing her to complete her high school education while actively pursuing her career.
At the tender age of five, she made her debut in the world of soap operas with a recurring role on One Life to Live. Since then, Panettiere has largely focused on television but has also appeared in notable films, including the inspirational sports drama Remember the Titans and the iconic horror series Scream. Nonetheless, her most celebrated performances arise from her roles in Heroes and Nashville, marking her as a defining actress of her generation.
15
I Love You, Beth Cooper (2009)
Hayden Panettiere Played Beth Cooper
In the 2009 teen rom-com directed by Chris Columbus, based on Larry Doyle’s novel, Panettiere takes on the role of Beth Cooper. The story follows Denis Cooverman, portrayed by Paul Rust, as he confesses his feelings for Beth during his graduation speech. This sparks a series of confrontations with his classmates, leading to a chaotic party night. Despite a dismal 13% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences responded more favorably, granting it a 32% score. Panettiere’s portrayal was noted for adding depth to a character often perceived as superficial.
14
Bring It On: All Or Nothing (2006)
Hayden Panettiere Played Britney Allen
Joining the successful cheerleader franchise, Panettiere starred in the third installment, Bring It On: All or Nothing. In this film, she plays Britney, a wealthy high school cheer captain whose life dramatically changes when her father loses his job. Transitioning to a public school, she faces challenges in a new environment. Although it didn’t achieve the acclaim of its predecessor, Panettiere’s performance showcased her emerging talent as she simultaneously joined the cast of Heroes as a cheerleader.
13
Hoodwinked Too! Hood Vs. Evil (2011)
Hayden Panettiere Played Red Puckett
Despite Hoodwinked Too! being a financial disappointment, it offered Panettiere a unique opportunity to lend her voice to Red Puckett. The sequel to the animated hit featured her character as a secret agent working alongside Granny and Wolf W. Wolf to rescue Hansel and Gretel. Critics panned the film, resulting in just an 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, yet it remains an enjoyable experience that highlighted Panettiere’s voice acting capabilities.
12
Amber Alert (2024)
Hayden Panettiere Played Jacqueline / Jaq
In the 2024 thriller, Amber Alert, Panettiere portrays Jaq, who is caught in a tense scenario when she and her rideshare driver notice a vehicle matching an Amber Alert description. As they embark on a quest to rescue the abducted child, the film balances suspense and moral dilemmas. Critics rated it moderately with a 63% approval, while audiences appreciated the gripping narrative, applauding the performances of Panettiere and her co-star Tyler James Williams.
11
Guiding Light (1996-2000)
Hayden Panettiere Played Lizzie Spaulding
Transitioning from One Life to Live, Panettiere continued her soap opera career on CBS’s Guiding Light, playing Lizzie Spaulding in 44 episodes. Despite her young age, she took on a significant role as the daughter of core characters. Her portrayal came during a time of rapid character adaptation as she grew from a baby to a pivotal character in the show, which ran for 72 seasons until its cancellation in 2009.
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Heroes Reborn (2015-2016)
Hayden Panettiere Played Claire Bennet
In NBC’s Heroes Reborn, Panettiere reprised her iconic role as Claire Bennet. Although her character’s storyline took a tragic turn with her death in childbirth, the revival attempted to reignite the franchise’s appeal with a fresh group of characters. The show received mixed reviews, scoring a 42% on Rotten Tomatoes but still provided a nostalgic ride for fans of the original series.
9
Dinosaur (2000)
Hayden Panettiere Played Suri
Panettiere lent her voice to Suri, a young lemur in Disney’s animated film Dinosaur. The film follows an Iguanodon adopted by a family of lemurs after a meteor impact. Although it garnered a mixed reception, achieving a 65% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it showcased remarkable CGI for its time. Panettiere’s role added charm to the film, which was part of an important evolution in Disney’s animation era.
8
One Life To Live (1994-1996)
Hayden Panettiere Played Sarah Roberts
Panettiere’s breakthrough role came at just five years old on One Life to Live, where she portrayed Sarah Roberts. Initially cast to fill the shoes of previous actors, she played a main character as the daughter of notable soap characters. Her role quickly endeared her to viewers, but she ultimately departed in 1997 to embrace further opportunities.
7
Scream 4 (2011)
Hayden Panettiere Played Kirby Reed
Joining the Scream franchise in its fourth installment, Panettiere played Kirby Reed, a clever horror aficionado and Jill’s best friend. Infused with references to the original trilogy, the film propelled Panettiere into the spotlight. The critical reception exceeded expectations, with a 60% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and her character’s popularity paved the way for a continued presence in the franchise.
6
A Bug’s Life (1998)
Hayden Panettiere Played Princess Dot
At just nine years old, Panettiere voiced Princess Dot in Pixar’s A Bug’s Life, the studio’s second animated feature. The film narrates Flik’s quest to recruit warriors to combat menacing grasshoppers threatening their colony. Despite being overshadowed by later Pixar hits, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $363 million and achieving a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, showcasing the studio’s burgeoning prowess in animation.
5
Scream VI (2023)
Hayden Panettiere Played Kirby Reed
Returning to her character Kirby Reed, Panettiere faced the challenge of continuing the legacy of the Scream series without Neve Campbell, who opted out due to salary disputes. This latest installment has received acclaim, earning a 76% Rotten Tomatoes score. In her new role as an FBI agent, she captivates a loyal fanbase, solidifying her status alongside the surviving cast members from previous films.
4
Heroes (2006-2010)
Hayden Panettiere Played Claire Bennet
Panettiere rose to prominence thanks to her memorable portrayal of Claire Bennet in the sci-fi series Heroes. The series’ slogan “Save the cheerleader, save the world” became iconic, with Panettiere’s character as the centerpiece. Over four seasons, she appeared in 72 episodes, earning praise for her performance and contributing to the show’s status as a cultural phenomenon.
3
Remember The Titans (2000)
Hayden Panettiere Played Sheryl Yoast
In the inspirational drama Remember the Titans, Panettiere portrayed Sheryl Yoast, the daughter of coach Bill Yoast. Her character’s perspective on the racial tensions faced by the football team brought a unique narrative depth. The film received critical acclaim, achieving a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and winning an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Motion Picture.
2
Nashville (2012-2018)
Hayden Panettiere Played Juliette Barnes
Panettiere’s portrayal of Juliette Barnes in the musical drama Nashville showcases her range and depth as an actress. The story revolves around the competitive world of country music. Throughout the show’s six-season run, Panettiere earned two Golden Globe nominations for her performance, solidifying her standing as one of the leading actresses on television.
1
Ally McBeal (2002)
Hayden Panettiere Played Maddie Harrington
In the final season of Ally McBeal, Panettiere joined the cast as Maddie Harrington, the daughter of the titular character. At only 13 years old, she navigated complex themes of motherhood and identity, showcasing her early promise as an actress. The series, known for its ensemble cast and unique blend of romance and humor, wrapped up with Panettiere’s storyline as an emotional highlight.