Hayden Panettiere, best known for television roles in Heroes and Nashville as well as her voice work as Kairi in the original Kingdom Hearts games, has passed away at age 36. The news emerged shortly after Kingdom Hearts' 25th anniversary celebrations at Disney's D23 event. Beyond her contribution to the beloved Square Enix and Disney franchise, Panettiere built a notable career across film and television, appearing in projects including the Scream series.
Her role as Kairi established her presence in gaming history during a formative period for the Kingdom Hearts franchise, making her passing a significant moment for fans who grew up with the series.
- Panettiere voiced Kairi in the first two Kingdom Hearts games, becoming part of the franchise's original English cast.
- Her career extended well beyond gaming into prominent television and film roles, with credits in Heroes, Nashville, and the Scream franchise.
- The announcement came in the wake of Kingdom Hearts' 25th anniversary celebration at D23.
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GameRant
· Aug 19, 09:00 UTC
Kingdom Hearts Voice Actor Shares Tribute to Hayden Panettiere
A Kingdom Hearts actor who has been involved in the series since the start shares a touching tribute to the late Hayden Panettiere.
Nintendolife
· Aug 18, 02:55 UTC
Kingdom Hearts Voice Actor Hayden Panettiere Has Died At 36
She played the voice of Kairi. Following the Kingdom Hearts 25th anniversary celebrations at Disney's D23 fan event last week, a very sad announcement has been made. Hayden Panettiere, who voiced Kairi in the first two Kingdom Hearts games,…
Game Informer
· Aug 17, 09:52 UTC
Hayden Panettiere, Actor Of Nashville, Heroes, And Voice Of Kingdom Hearts’ Kairi, Has Passed Away
Hayden Panettiere, the actor known for TV series such as Nashville and Heroes , and the former voice performer for Kairi in the Kingdom Hearts series, has passed away. She was 36. Panettiere’s extensive credits include roles in films such a…
Noisy Pixel
· Aug 17, 03:21 UTC
Original Kingdom Hearts Kairi Voice Actor Hayden Panettiere Passes Away at 36
Variety has reported that actor and voice actor Hayden Panettiere has passed away at 36 years old. In addition to her acting roles in Heroes and the Scream series, Kingdom Hearts fans would recognize her as the original English voice actor…