Hayden Panettiere, Bintang Pahlawan dan Kingdom Hearts, Meninggal di usia 36 tahun

Actress Hayden Panettiere has died at the age of 36. Best known for her roles in hit TV series like Heroes and Nashville, Panettiere also had major roles in the Kingdom Hearts video game series and Supermassive Games' cult-classic horror game, Until Dawn.

"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden," Panettiere's family wrote in a press statement. "She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her--and to the millions who watched her onscreen."

Panettiere's career in entertainment began in the '90s with roles in shows like One Life to Live and Aliens in the Family, and in 1998, she voiced Princess Dot in A Bug's Life and played a mermaid in The Object of My Affection. She'd go on to appear in more films like Remember the Titans, with her breakout role being Claire Bennet on the series Heroes, a cheerleader with the power to regenerate from almost any injury.

In video games, Panettiere's first gig was as the voice of Tati in 2002's The Mark of Kri, which she followed up with work in Kingdom Hearts, voicing Kairi and Xion. Years later, Panettiere would lend her voice and likeness to the character of Samantha "Sam" Giddings in 2015's Until Dawn and its 2024 remake.

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Hayden Panettiere," Supermassive Games wrote about Panettiere's passing. "Hayden brought Sam to life in Until Dawn, shaping her into one of horror gaming's most iconic final girls. Our thoughts are with her friends, family, and our community. Rest in peace, Hayden."

Several other actors who had a role in video games have also passed away this year. Legendary actor Robert Duvall--who reprised his role as Tom Hagen in EA's The Godfather--died in February at the age of 95, and he was followed by Jock Blaney (Wolf O'Donnell in Star Fox 64) in March, and Tom Kane in May (Gandalf in several The Lord of the Rings games, amongst many other roles).