Hayden Panettiere is an American actress, singer, and model best known for her roles in the television series Heroes and Nashville.
Hayden Lesley Panettiere was born on August 21, 1989, in Palisades, New York, to Lesley R. Vogel, a former soap opera actress, and Alan Lee "Skip" Panettiere, a fire department lieutenant. She has a younger brother, Jansen Panettiere, who was also an actor. Hayden comes from a mixed ancestry that includes Italian, German, and English heritage.
Her journey into the entertainment world began remarkably early—at just 11 months old, Panettiere appeared in a commercial for a toy train. As a toddler, she continued to work in commercials for well-known brands like McDonald's, Hershey’s, and Nix Lice Shampoo. At age four, she landed her first television role in the soap opera One Life to Live, followed by a notable appearance on Guiding Light. Encouraged by her mother's background and support, Hayden pursued acting full time.
Due to her demanding acting schedule, Panettiere was homeschooled from ninth grade through to high school graduation. This arrangement allowed her to maintain her academic responsibilities while continuing her professional career.
Panettiere's early career encompassed roles in television and film, demonstrating her versatility as a young actress. In 1999, she received a nomination for a Young Artist Award for her performance in the television film If You Believe. One of her earliest film appearances was in The Object of My Affection, where she played a minor role.
Her breakthrough role came in 2006 with the NBC science fiction drama series Heroes, where she portrayed Claire Bennet, a high school cheerleader with regenerative healing powers. The show garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, propelling Panettiere into mainstream fame.
Throughout the 2000s, she appeared in several films, including Raising Helen (2004), Racing Stripes (2005), Bring It On: All or Nothing (2006), and Shanghai Kiss (2007).
