The cast and crew of Heroes got back together recently to celebrate the life of Hayden Panettiere.
Writer and co-executive producer Bryan Fuller shared photos from the reunion on Tuesday, August 25, nearly 10 days after Panettiere died at age 36 from a suspected overdose in Greenville, South Carolina.
“A HEROES REUNION TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF THE YOUNG WOMAN WHO WAS #1 ON THE CALL SHEET AND #1 IN OUR HEARTS AND MEMORIES,” Fuller captioned his Instagram post. “WE SHARED STORIES OF HAYDEN’S LIGHT THAT SHINED ON ALL OF OUR LIVES.”
Heroes aired for four seasons from 2006 to 2010 and made Panettiere a household name. She played cheerleader Claire Bennet on the hit show.
Photographed in the group snap were Fuller, actors Jack Coleman, who played Panettiere’s onscreen dad, Masi Oka, Greg Grunberg, Santiago Cabrera, Adrian Pasdar, Jimmy Jean-Louis Madeline Zima and others. Zachary Quinto, who played Heroes villain Sylar, joined the meet-up via video call, as did Sendhil Ramamurthy.
“So good seeing you all and remembering Hayden. Thanks for organizing ❤️,” Ramamurthy commented on Fuller’s post.
“Honored to have breathed the same air as Hayden and this whole Heroes crew one of the most love filled rooms I’ve ever been in❤ thank you @thejackcoleman for hosting,” Zima wrote.
Jean-Louis, who played the mind-reading René (or “the Haitian”), also shared photos from the special occasion via his Instagram, including a selfie with Grunberg, Coleman and Pasdar.
“A HEROES reunion to celebrate the life of HAYDEN was deeply emotional,” he wrote. “There was sadness in our hearts, but also so much love, gratitude, and warmth as we remembered the beautiful moments shared and the lasting impact of a life that touched so many. Au revoir Hayden. #Haitianhero”
Panettiere’s father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed her death in a statement to Us earlier this month.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. 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,” Skip said. “We ask for privacy as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss.”
Panettiere had been candid about her struggles with postnatal depression and addiction before her death.
In May, the actress shared with Us how she relied on opioids and alcohol after suffering from depression following the 2010 birth of her daughter, Kaya.
“I was truly scared. I had pushed my body to a point where my eyes turned yellow, I was struggling with jaundice, and [not having the] courage to exit my house,” she said of her third stint in rehab to overcome addiction. “I went to the doctor and had a blood test and he, in no uncertain terms, told me that if you do not put a stop to this right now, then your body’s not going to be able to recover.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
