The cast of “Heroes” recently came together to honor the memory of Hayden Panetierre, who died at 36. The beloved actress played cheerleader Claire Bennet on the hit NBC series, making her one of the show’s most recognizable stars.
More than 15 years after the show last aired, the “Heroes” cast celebrated Panettiere’s life and shared fond memories of her.
More than a week has passed since Hayden Panettiere’s death, but tributes continue to pour in for the late actress.
On August 25, “Heroes” writer and executive producer Bryan Fuller took to social media and shared a couple of snapshots from a reunion held in Panettiere’s memory. Among those in attendance were Jack Coleman, Adrian Pasdar, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Madeline Zima, and Greg Grunberg. Others attended via video call, including Zachary Quinto and Sendhil Ramamurthy.
The reunion was seemingly organized by Coleman, Panettiere’s on-screen father. “It was a very special evening. Thank you for organizing, Jack,” Fuller wrote in the comments. “So good seeing you all and remembering Hayden,” Ramamurthy said.
Jean-Louis also shared the photos on X, noting that while it was a “deeply emotional” reunion, they also felt love as they exchanged stories about Panettiere.
Fans Note The Absence Of Milo Ventimiglia
“Heroes” fans were delighted to see some of their favorite stars together again, but they also noticed that Milo Ventimiglia, who played a major role on the show, was missing.
“Where is Peter?” one user asked, referring to Ventimiglia’s character Peter Petrelli. “Milo is missing,” another person commented. Yet another wrote, “No Milo?”
Ventimiglia was not the only cast member missing from the photos. Ali Larter, Noah Gray-Cabey, and Leonard Roberts were also absent, though it remains unclear whether they participated in the reunion virtually.
However, fans may have been particularly interested in Ventimiglia’s absence because Panettiere was romantically involved with him in the past and discussed their relationship in her recent memoir.
Hayden Panettiere And Milo Ventimiglia’s Relationship
Hayden Panettiere dated her ‘Heroes’ co-star Milo Ventimiglia in 2007, when she was 18 and he was 30 pic.twitter.com/iUWG8HY8RF
— y2k (@y2kpopart) March 16, 2025
Panettiere and Ventimiglia began dating in 2007, after she had just turned 18, while Ventimiglia was 30.
The actress wrote about their romance in her memoir, admitting that she had developed a crush on the actor soon after they started working together on “Heroes.” While on a press tour in Europe, their friendship developed into romance. “Just like that, we became a thing,” Panettiere wrote.
She noted that the 12-year age difference was scrutinized by the press and the public, which was difficult for them. Less than two years later, they parted ways after Panettiere told him about an NBC executive who kissed her on the lips. Ventimiglia reportedly wanted to talk to the executive about the “inappropriate” behavior, but Panettiere insisted it “was not a big deal.”
They continued working together on “Heroes” after the split and maintained a professional working relationship.
‘Heroes’ Co-Stars Shared Tributes To The Actress
Panettiere’s father in “Heroes,” Jack Coleman, was among the celebrities who fondly remembered Panettiere. As The Blast previously reported, the actor shared that he “loved Hayden since day one of the pilot of Heroes” when the actress first approached him with a hug.
“From that day on, she called me daddio. She was Haydini, because she was a magician,” he wrote. Coleman also shared what an incredible actress she was and how much joy she brought to set.
Sendhil Ramamurthy also penned a touching tribute, sharing how Panettiere helped him overcome his nerves and how she fought for background actors who were “mistreated,” and that she knew every crew member’s name.
Hayden Panettiere’s Rep Blasts Speculations About Her Death
Panettiere’s official cause and manner of death have yet to be determined, pending toxicology results. Meanwhile, her representatives are criticizing those who are spreading rumors and speculations surrounding her death.
As The Blast reported, the statement said that many people “who were not close” to the actress are only fueling gossip, adding that those who really knew the actress are not speaking publicly but are cooperating with the investigation.
The rep said the investigation is active and that they are “hopeful that justice will be served.”
