Hayden Panettiere's screen legacy and the roles we grew up with

Hayden Panettiere was one of those stars who seemed to have been on our screens forever. From child actress to Hollywood leading lady, she built a career filled with characters that stayed with audiences long after the credits rolled.

Panettiere died on Sunday, 16 August, at the age of 36. Her family confirmed her death, with her father remembering her as a “light” and a force of nature. No official cause of death has been disclosed.

But today, it is her work that deserves the spotlight.

For an entire generation of TV fans, Panettiere was Claire Bennet in Heroes. The 2006 series turned her into an international star, with her character — a seemingly ordinary cheerleader with the extraordinary ability to heal — becoming one of the show's most recognisable faces.

Then came Nashville, and another career-defining performance.

As Juliette Barnes, Panettiere played a talented but complicated country music star trying to navigate fame, relationships and the pressures of the spotlight. The role showcased her acting and singing talents and earned her two Golden Globe nominations.

And if you're a horror fan, you probably remember her as Kirby Reed in the Scream franchise.

Panettiere first appeared as Kirby in Scream 4 in 2011, bringing plenty of attitude and quick wit to the role. More than a decade later, she returned as Kirby in Scream VI, giving longtime fans a welcome dose of nostalgia.

Her film career also included Remember the Titans, where she appeared alongside Denzel Washington, as well as Ice Princess and the animated classic A Bug's Life, in which she voiced Dot.

Panettiere's career was remarkable not simply because of the number of roles she took on, but because audiences grew up alongside her.

From the cheerleader with superpowers to the country star with a complicated story and the fearless Scream survivor, she gave us characters we remember.

Hayden Panettiere may have left the stage far too soon, but her performances will keep her on our screens for years to come.