Tim Kring recalls Hayden Panettiere’s remarkable range and professionalism
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Following news of Hayden Panettiere's death at 36, "Heroes" creator Tim Kring has published an expanded personal tribute detailing why she was, in his words, a "singularly talented actor" with an almost savant-like grasp of drama, humour and pathos. The fuller account adds specific memories from the show's production, including her 2010 audition at age 16 for the role of Claire Bennet, and reveals that Kring had little contact with her after "Heroes" ended that year.
The tribute recounts how Panettiere could deliver intense, tearful performances across a dozen consecutive takes before instantly returning to laughing and texting with castmates between them, illustrating what Kring called her rare professionalism and emotional control. He describes a "bull-in-a-china-shop" determination that shaped how writers crafted her character, noting the line between Panettiere and Claire Bennet became blurred, and says that despite becoming the show's breakout star, she remained a grounded, grateful team player whom the ensemble cast felt protective of and responsible for nurturing.
- Tim Kring's tribute to Hayden Panettiere, who died aged 36, has been expanded
- New details: she auditioned for Claire Bennet role aged 16
- Kring praises her rare talent, professionalism, and team spirit on "Heroes"
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Panettiere's death at 36 has prompted tributes from those she worked with, among them Tim Kring, who created the television series "Heroes" and cast her as Claire Bennet, the show's cheerleader lead, when she auditioned for the part at 16 in 2010. Kring's remarks give a personal, behind-the-scenes account of what she was like on set during the years the show was in production.
Panettiere became known to a wide audience through "Heroes" and was widely regarded as the show's breakout star, though Kring notes he had limited contact with her once the series ended. His account focuses on her acting ability and conduct during filming, describing how she moved quickly between demanding emotional scenes and ordinary off-camera behaviour, and on how the cast and crew regarded her at the time.
More coverage
- Variety — Hayden Panettiere ‘Stuck Up for Background Actors When They Were Mistreated’ on ‘Heroes’ Set and ‘Knew Every Crew Members Name’
- The Hollywood Reporter — Neve Campbell and ‘Scream’ Stars Pay Tribute to Hayden Panettiere After Her Death: She “Brought a Magnetic Energy to Set”
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Originally published by Variety as “‘Heroes’ Creator Tim Kring Pays Tribute to Hayden Panettiere as a ‘Singularly Talented Actor’ With a ‘Deep Understanding of Human Nature’”.