Actress Opens Up About Coping with Brother’s Death

Actress Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in films and TV shows such as “Scream” and “Heroes,” recently became the cover star of People magazine. In her interview, she discussed her emotional journey following the passing of her brother, Jansen Panettiere, who died in 2023 at the age of 28. Jansen’s death resulted from an enlarged heart and complications with the aortic valve, leaving Hayden to cope with an immense personal loss.

Hayden, who is starring in the upcoming film “Amber Alert,” expressed that losing Jansen felt like losing “half of my soul.” She described the heartbreak as something she would never fully overcome, emphasizing the bond she shared with her only sibling. In the wake of his passing, she experienced significant changes both emotionally and physically.

Following Jansen’s death, Hayden found herself struggling with confidence and self-image. She spoke about gaining 40 pounds due to stress-triggered cortisol levels and battling with agoraphobia. Photographs taken by paparazzi at Jansen’s funeral added to her distress, making her feel unable to leave her home comfortably.

Support came through her publicist, who introduced Hayden to personal trainer Marnie Alton. Marnie, the CEO of M/BODY, a barre fitness experience, played a crucial role in Hayden’s transformation. The two developed a friendship that went beyond simple fitness routines, incorporating therapeutic long walks alongside more structured workouts.

Through her relationship with Marnie, Hayden found the strength to move forward. She acknowledged that exercise and their therapeutic discussions helped alleviate the stress and self-imposed expectations she carried. Marnie’s encouragement and guidance allowed Hayden to regain a level of self-esteem and composure.

Despite the positive changes in her life, Hayden shared that the mourning of her brother continues. As she works on her autobiography, she intends to present a transparent and personal narrative of her life. The actress is now focusing on what matters most, particularly her daughter, Kaya, whom she shares with her ex-partner Wladimir Klitschko. She noted Kaya’s many interests, including golf, chess, dancing, and singing.

Hayden remains dedicated to her acting career while continuing to deal with her brother’s loss. She stated, “I will always be heartbroken about it. I will never be able to get over it. No matter how many years go by, I will never get over his loss.” Her new film “Amber Alert,” which is set to release later this month, represents a step forward in her ongoing journey of healing and resilience.