Following the death of actress Hayden Panettiere at age 36, fellow child stars Anna Paquin and Rose McGowan have spoken out about the entertainment industry’s severe mistreatment and lack of protection for young actors. Panettiere’s representative confirmed her death to Deadline on Monday, while local authorities in Greenville, South Carolina, stated that an initial autopsy found no signs of trauma and no foul play was suspected.
Anna Paquin Condemns Industry Systems and Pre-Sexualization
Anna Paquin took to Instagram on Friday to condemn what she described as the systemic failures of the entertainment industry regarding young talent. According to Entertainment Weekly, Paquin highlighted how early trauma often leads to significant challenges in adulthood for performers who enter the spotlight at a young age.
Paquin, who won an Academy Award at age 11 for The Piano, noted that young actors are frequently left without adequate safeguarding from the institutions that oversee production environments.
Paquin paid tribute to Panettiere, alongside Michelle Trachtenberg—who died at age 39 in February 2025—and Daveigh Chase, who died at age 35 from AIDS in June. “RIP HP, MT, DC and too many others,” Paquin wrote, according to Entertainment Weekly. “It’s a strange small club we belong to and you are worthy of support no matter how our industry makes us feel.”
Offering direct assistance to her peers, Paquin invited other former child actors to reach out to her privately. “Literally DM me. I believe you and I will stand by your side,” she stated, as noted by Entertainment Weekly. “You aren’t alone. Let’s have each other’s backs. It might make public disclosure less terrifying.”
Rose McGowan and Christy Carlson Romano Add Industry Critiques
Rose McGowan, who appeared alongside Panettiere in the Scream franchise, also shared a blunt condemnation of the entertainment business on Friday. According to Deadline, McGowan posted a tribute stating, “Rest in Power Hayden Paniettiere [sic]. Don’t put kids in show business. None of this is normal. May her spirit be free of those who orchestrated.” Both McGowan and Paquin made cameo appearances in Scream 4 (2011), a film in which Panettiere starred as Kirby Reed.
The conversation surrounding childhood stardom expanded earlier in the week when actress Christy Carlson Romano published an essay in Elle comparing the psychological pressures of early fame to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). According to Entertainment Weekly, Romano argued that society creates safety protocols for youth athletes facing physical impacts, yet provides no structural protection for children facing intense public scrutiny.
“We put youth athletes in helmets and pads. We invented entire sciences around protecting them from long-term damage. Why can’t we pad the children paid to make the world smile?” Romano wrote, as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
Hayden Panettiere’s Career and Legacy
Panettiere built an extensive acting resume before reaching adulthood. Based on reporting by Deadline, her earliest onscreen credit came at 11 months old in a Playskool commercial, which paved the way for prominent parts in Disney’s Remember the Titans (2000), Ally McBeal (2002), Raising Helen (2004), Tiger Cruise (2004), Racing Stripes (2005), Ice Princess (2005), Malcolm in the Middle (2003–2005), and Bring It On: All or Nothing (2006).
As investigators continue looking into the circumstances surrounding her death in South Carolina, tributes from colleagues continue to highlight the ongoing dialogue regarding the mental health and safety of performers who begin their careers as minors.
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