The untimely death of Hayden Panettiere, a onetime child star who soared to fame while navigating addiction and postpartum depression in her adult life, came just months after the beloved actor described feeling ready to start over.
Though she became a household name on television and film, Panettiere faced the sometimes unforgiving glare of Hollywood’s spotlight, describing her experiences with domestic violence, motherhood and loss under intense scrutiny.
Now, as her family, friends and fans mourn, questions remain about what happened in the actress’ final hours before her death at age 36, far from home at an apartment in South Carolina.
Here’s a look back at Panettiere’s life and career:
At just 11 months old, Panettiere appears as an infant in a Playskool toy train commercial — the first of many times she is placed under the spotlight.
