Paquin's warning after Panettiere's death

Actress Anna Paquin, known for roles in "True Blood" and the "X-Men" film franchise, has spoken out about the dangers of child stardom following the death of Hayden Panettiere. In an Instagram message dated Aug. 21, Paquin wrote that "it's not a coincidence that so many former, specifically pre-sexualized female, child 'stars' have profoundly sad lives and untimely ends."

Paquin, who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1994 at age 11 for her role in "The Piano," added: "We were not as protected by the 'systems' that look great on paper, as we are supposed to be. RIP HP, MT, DC, and too many others."

The initials refer to Panettiere, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Daveigh Chase, former child actors who died recently. Trachtenberg, best known for "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Gossip Girl," died in February 2025. New York City's chief medical examiner ruled her death natural, due to complications of diabetes mellitus. Chase, who voiced Lilo in "Lilo & Stitch" and played Samara Morgan in "The Ring," died in Los Angeles in June. Chase was 35, and Trachtenberg was 39.

Paquin described former child performers as belonging to a "strange, small club" and offered direct support: "You are worthy of support no matter how our industry made us feel. Literally DM me. I believe you and I will stand by your side." She added that "you are not alone" and encouraged fellow child stars to "have each other's backs," saying "it might make public disclosure less terrifying."

Clarifying her remarks

In the caption of her post, Paquin said she was speaking "specifically about the experience as a child on set that finds themselves prematurely a 'sex object'" and noted that she was not implying that "damage is not done outside of the context of entertainment."

In a second Instagram note posted on Saturday, Paquin acknowledged that positive experiences are possible: "As an adult I've had the pleasure of working on productions where the welfare and mental health of young performers was handled incredibly carefully. Especially around material that was intense. It is possible to holistically look after the kids on set and tell complex and sometimes up" (the message appears cut off in the provided text).

Support from fellow actors

The comments received support from other former child actors, including Alyssa Milano, Shiri Appleby, Mara Wilson, Evan Rachel Wood, Marguerite Moreau, and Rowan Blanchard. Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura Ingalls on "Little House on the Prairie," shared Paquin's statement and wrote: "Thank you Anna. Someone has to say something. Someone has to change this. Someone has to help."

Panettiere's death and career

Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday, Aug. 16, and pronounced dead despite attempts to resuscitate her. Police and emergency medical personnel responded to reports of an unresponsive woman at about 1.51pm. Dispatch audio included references to an "overdose" and "cardiac arrest," although her official cause and manner of death have not yet been determined. The coroner said an autopsy found no signs of trauma, and authorities reported no indication of foul play. The Drug Enforcement Administration has become involved in the investigation, according to a report by People.

Panettiere had been acting since childhood, appearing in soap operas such as "One Life to Live" and "Guiding Light." She was known for roles in "Remember the Titans," "Heroes," "Nashville," "Scream 4," and "Scream VI." Earlier this year, she published her memoir, "This Is Me: A Reckoning."