Sendhil Ramamurthy Remembers Hayden Panettiere as ‘Kind, Joyful’ Professional

Hayden Panettiere is being remembered by her former “Heroes” co-star Sendhil Ramamurthy as a talented actor who also cared deeply about the people around her.

Panettiere died on Aug. 16 at the age of 36. Her death is under investigation, although police have said there were no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.

Panettiere became widely known for playing Claire Bennet, a high school cheerleader with the ability to rapidly heal, on NBC’s “Heroes.” The series ran for four seasons from 2006 to 2010 and became a major hit, with Claire emerging as one of its most popular characters.

Ramamurthy, who played Mohinder Suresh on the series, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. He recalled meeting Panettiere during the final screen test for “Heroes.”

Ramamurthy said he was extremely nervous during the audition and was sweating through his shirt. Panettiere, however, appeared completely relaxed and was singing show tunes in the waiting room.

“Not a nerve in sight,” he recalled, adding that Panettiere already had years of experience despite being much younger than him.

After they were both cast, Ramamurthy said he learned a great deal from his young co-star. He particularly remembered the way she treated people behind the scenes.

“She stuck up for background actors when they were mistreated, knew every crew member’s name, and was so generous with her time,” he wrote.

He also shared a lighter memory from a press day following the Golden Globes. Ramamurthy was feeling ill, and Panettiere repeatedly reminded him to drink fluids and made sure he had plenty of Gatorade.

“That’s how I will remember her: a kind, joyful, professional, shittalker, who even at a young age, understood the importance of hydration,” Ramamurthy wrote.

Panettiere’s former co-stars from other projects have also shared tributes since her death.

Connie Britton, who worked with Panettiere on ABC’s “Nashville,” posted behind-the-scenes photographs of the two actors. Britton described Panettiere as someone who was “bursting with brilliance” and “shining so bright.”

“I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now,” Britton wrote.

For many of Panettiere’s former colleagues, the tributes have focused not only on her successful career but also on the kindness and energy she brought to film and television sets.

Her work on “Heroes” and “Nashville” made her a familiar face to television audiences, but the memories shared by those who worked closely with her paint a picture of an actor who remained attentive to the people around her. Her death at 36 has prompted an outpouring of grief from friends, co-stars and fans.