Hayden Panettiere reportedly struggled to revive her television career after “Nashville,” despite being eager to land another major series. An unnamed industry insider claimed the actress’ mental health and addiction struggles affected her professional reputation, making it harder for her to secure substantial roles once the musical drama ended.
The source alleged that Panettiere experienced problems with executives and co-stars while filming “Nashville,” sometimes arrived late, and occasionally required additional time in makeup. Those claims come alongside Panettiere’s own deeply personal account of postpartum depression, alcohol use, and the painful separation from her daughter, Kaya.
Panettiere starred as country singer Juliette Barnes throughout the six-season run of “Nashville.” The acclaimed role established her as a major television star, but an industry source claimed her career lost momentum after the series ended. “Hayden had mental health struggles and addiction issues going on, and they played a part in why her career didn’t take off again after ‘Nashville,’” one industry insider told the Daily Mail.
According to the source, Panettiere’s alleged difficulties were already affecting her work during the show. “When she was filming the show, she had problems on the set, with execs and with her co-stars,” they claimed. “She sometimes came to work looking like she’d been out partying. She’d often have to spend extra time in make-up to get her looking camera-ready. She’d also sometimes be late for her call time.”
The source’s account is an allegation from an unnamed insider. No executives or co-stars were quoted corroborating the claims in the information provided.
Word Reportedly Spread Through Hollywood
Despite those alleged setbacks, Panettiere reportedly remained determined to land another prominent television role. The insider claimed that her established status did not allow her to bypass the traditional audition process. Instead, she continued competing for major projects while facing concerns about her professional reputation.
“She was desperate to land another series after ‘Nashville’ ended, but the word had got out in Hollywood that she was a bit of a problem,” the source alleged. “Although she was considered a TV star, she still had to audition for big TV projects. She often struggled to get past the audition stage.”
The source did not identify the projects for which Panettiere reportedly auditioned or the casting professionals who allegedly passed on her. However, the insider claimed that the continued absence of substantial roles had affected the actress. “Hayden was on a downward swing recently due to lack of decent roles,” they added.
‘Sleepwalker’ Became Her Final Screen Appearance
Panettiere’s final acting appearance was in “Sleepwalker,” a psychological thriller released in January. The film was critically panned and featured Panettiere as a mother tormented by the loss of her daughter. That storyline carried a painful parallel to the actress’ personal life. Although Panettiere had not lost Kaya through death, she had experienced the heartbreak of living separately from her child.
In 2018, Kaya went to live with Panettiere’s former fiancé and her father, former heavyweight boxer Wladimir Klitschko. Kaya is now 11. Panettiere later discussed the circumstances surrounding that decision in her memoir, revealing that her difficulties with motherhood began with a frightening birth experience.
Kaya’s Birth Became A Medical Emergency
Panettiere recalled that doctors declared a “code crimson” emergency during Kaya’s birth in 2014. Following a C-section, the actress’ blood reportedly would not clot, forcing her to undergo a three-hour operation. She later learned that her uterus had become infected.
After enduring the medical emergency, Panettiere struggled to bond with her newborn daughter. She described the process as an “insurmountable task” and admitted that she initially “felt nothing” toward Kaya, characterizing the experience as “a total blackout of emotion.”
Hayden Panettiere Turned To Alcohol After Giving Birth
Panettiere said she began using alcohol to cope with what she was experiencing. Her drinking reportedly became so severe that she sometimes started consuming alcohol as early as 6 a.m. When Kaya was four months old, Panettiere entered treatment and was diagnosed with postpartum depression.
Medication initially helped but reportedly made the actress sleepy. She eventually returned to alcohol, beginning another difficult period in her personal and professional life.
As her struggles intensified, Panettiere lost a lucrative contract with skincare brand Neutrogena. Her relationship with Klitschko also deteriorated, eventually leading to Kaya living primarily with him.
