Cynthia Erivo attends the "Wicked: For Good!" New York Premiere at David Geffen Hall on November 17, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Cynthia Erivo's talent will be honored at the American Ballet Theatre’s 2026 Fall Gala: Angels and Demons.
The theatre will recognize "her extraordinary contributions to the performing arts" and "her ability to inspire audiences through storytelling that transcends disciplines," according to a press release.
“Few artists possess Cynthia Erivo’s extraordinary ability to transform themselves through performance,” Susan Jaffe, artistic director of American Ballet Theatre, said in a statement. “Whether through music, theater, or film, she brings an uncommon combination of artistry, emotional honesty, and fearless imagination to every role. Those are qualities we deeply value in ballet and strive to cultivate in every artist who takes our stage. Cynthia’s commitment to her craft and her ability to forge profound connections with audiences make her an inspiring artist and an especially meaningful honoree for American Ballet Theatre.”
The American Ballet Theatre’s 2026 Fall Gala is set to take place Oct. 29 at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City.
Erivo previously appeared in the American Ballet Theatre's first digital gala in May 2020, performing “America the Beautiful" alongside a video of their dancers.
Jamie Foxx in 'Jamie Foxx: Take Care of Yourself' (Hulu)
It's Jamie Foxx's turn to take on Hularious, Hulu's original stand-up comedy series. His special, dubbed Jamie Foxx: Take Care of Yourself, is set to premiere Oct. 7 on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.
According to the synopsis, it will see the comedian take the stage, delivering "a much-needed dose of self-care in his most honest, evolved, and unforgettable chapter yet."
Jamie Foxx: Take Care of Yourself follows Jamie's 2024 Netflix special, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was..., his return to the stage after his 2023 medical emergency.
David Krumholtz attends the premiere of 'Supergirl' on June 22, 2026, in New York City. (Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
David Krumholtz is clarifying comments regarding his break from acting.
The actor took to a since-deleted Threads post on Tuesday to write that he is “frustrated, fed up, [and] fried” with the entertainment business and that he's taking “an indefinite break” as "the profession has lost its gleam."
“I kinda sorta put my acting career on hold the other day. It’s been something I’ve been petrified to do for years,” Krumholtz wrote in his original Threads post. “Specifically, the fear was that I’d go broke and not be able to handle being out of the game. But I sent the definitive email.”
Krumholtz clarified his remarks in an Instagram post on Wednesday, saying he is not technically retiring, only taking a break from acting.
"Firstly, I am very well. And I feel very loved. Secondly, I never used the word 'retiring' or 'quitting'. Instead, I said that I decided to put my career on hold," Krumholtz wrote. "I don’t expect anyone to understand, but the outpouring of support for my decision has been deeply heartwarming."
The actor went on to say he is grateful for the support he has received in making his dreams and ambitions come true, but "a time has come where the weight of those dreams and ambitions has become surprisingly oppressive."
Krumholtz said he prioritizing his mental health with this decision.
"My mental health is vital to my family. My career has run the gamut. I’m in disbelief. But I find myself at a crossroads between the inherent self involvement being a professional actor requires, and a burning desire to give more of myself to others in need, in whatever way I can. And so, for the time being, I’m pursuing that goal," he wrote.
Audiences would recognize Krumholtz from his recent roles in this summer's Supergirl and the best picture-winning 2023 biopic Oppenheimer. He also appeared in The Santa Clause franchise, 10 Things I Hate About You and Slums of Beverly Hills.
Hayden Panettiere attends the LA premiere of 'Blonde' at TCL Chinese Theatre on Sept. 13, 2022, in Hollywood, California. (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic via Getty Images)
Hayden Panettiere's ex-boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, was present at the scene when she died, according to a police report obtained by ABC News.
Panettiere, known for her roles in Heroes, Nashville, Remember the Titans and more, died on Sunday. She was 36.
In the police report from the Greenville City Police Department, an officer arrived on the scene on Easley Bridge Road in Greenville, South Carolina. The officer was responding to an EMS assist for an individual who was unresponsive.
"The patient did not seem to have any obvious physical reasons to be unresponsive," the officer wrote in the report.
"EMS attempted to perform life saving methods for an extended amount of time before they called a time of death. This was 1431 hours," the report continued.
The officer then wrote in the report that they spoke with Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, who was also on scene, while EMS "was working on the patient."
Zach Hickerson described Panettiere as his brother's girlfriend.
"I observed Zach to be very emotional while EMS were working on Hayden," the officer wrote. "Brian did not become emotional until EMS declared her officially deceased. Medic 24 and S4 were on scene performing life saving measures."
The officer added in the report that Brian Hickerson showed them the bag of medication that Panettiere was taking.
Officials arrived on scene to assist in the investigation and the coroner was also on scene to conduct their investigation.
CCTV footage was requested from the scene and a supplemental report will be conducted, according to the report. The report added that the officer on scene also executed a search warrant.
It is unknown if Panettiere was using drugs or alcohol at the time of her death, according to the police report.
On Monday, the Greenville County Coroner's Office said in a press release that first responders and emergency medical services responded to a 911 call at the Greenville residence and found Panettiere "unresponsive" and in cardiac arrest. Responders "initiated advanced cardiac life support measures," but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful" and the actress was "pronounced deceased at 2:32 PM," officials said.
The coroner's office said an autopsy was completed on Monday, and that "no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death."
Panettiere's official cause and manner of death "remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies," the coroner's office added.
The release noted that Panettiere had been "temporarily staying" at the residence where she was found. The coroner's office and Greenville City Police Department have since "initiated a parallel investigation" into her death, according to the release.
ABC News has reached out to Panettiere's rep for a comment.
In previous reporting from ABC News, Panettiere had spoken out about Brian Hickerson's alleged domestic abuse.
Panettiere told Good Morning America in a statement in 2020: "I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me with the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve. I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again."
She added, "I’m grateful for my support system, which helped me find the courage to regain my voice and my life.”
Brian Hickerson pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend in April 2021.
In court docs obtained by ABC News on Tuesday, a California judge denied Brian Hickerson's request to reduce his prior domestic violence felony convictions.
Brian Hickerson petitioned the court to reduce his felony domestic violence convictions to misdemeanors and to expunge the case from his record. The request was denied on Aug. 13, 2026.
ABC News has reached out to a lawyer for Brian Hickerson for comment.
Panettiere and Hickerson started dating in the late summer of 2018, after she and then-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko had split. Panettiere and Klitschko share a daughter, Kaya Klitschko.
For anyone affected by abuse and needing support, call 1-800-799-7233, or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 1-866-331-9474.
Olivia Colman has joined the cast of Only Murders in the Building. The Oscar winner has joined the season 6 cast of the comedy whodunnit series. The news was announced to Instagram on Tuesday. Selena Gomez and Meryl Streep made a cheeky video where they revealed Colman's casting, but only after Martin Short pretended like he was the exciting new cast member. Gomez and Streep had to remind Short that he, of course, is one of the show's original stars. "Marty, you're already in the show," they told him, before pulling Colman on screen ... Disney is the parent company of ABC News and Hulu.
The trailer for Slow Horses season 6 has arrived. Sir Gary Oldman once again stars as Jackson Lamb in this look at the sixth season of the espionage drama. The new season premieres on Apple TV Sept. 16. Kristin Scott Thomas, Jack Lowden and Saskia Reeves also star ...
Jack Reynor has found his next part. Deadline reports the actor will star alongside Lily James in the horror film Seasons. The Amazon MGM Studios film is based on a viral horror short story by Matt Query and Harrison Query. It follows a husband and wife who buy their dream ranch only to learn it is filled with ancient spirits. Drew Hancock is set to direct from a script he also wrote ...
Mike Faist as Charles Trask, Christopher Abbott as Adam Trask and Florence Pugh as Cathy Ames in episode 3 of 'East of Eden.' (Netflix)
We now know when East of Eden will arrive.
Netflix has announced the release date for its upcoming adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel. The limited series will debut to the streaming service on Oct. 1.
Florence Pugh stars as antihero Cathy Ames and co-produces the new limited series that was adapted by Zoe Kazan. This project is personal to Zoe, as she is the granddaughter of director Elia Kazan, who previously adapted the novel into a 1955 film that launched the career of James Dean.
The series finds Cathy's life "intertwined with the lives of generations of men from the Trask family — notably those of Adam (Christopher Abbott) and Charles (Mike Faist) — as the characters live out the darker side of the California dream," according to an official description.
East of Eden is described as a seven-episode fresh interpretation of the source material. In addition to Pugh, Abbott and Faist, Hoon Lee, Tracy Letts, Martha Plimpton, Ciarán Hinds, Joseph Zada and Joe Anders star.
While "bringing the family saga to life" was a resonant experience for Zoe Kazan, she told Netflix it was “Steinbeck’s writing — personal, shocking, profound, and free — that has kept me enthralled by East of Eden since I first read the book as a young teen.”
Hayden Panettiere and Hilary Duff attend Joanna Schlips' launch of the J-Gurlz Fund and her book 'Glamour Gurlz' on Sept. 26, 2006, in Hollywood, California. (Mark Davis/Getty Images)
Hayden Panetierre's death has prompted many tributes from those she worked with over the years. But although they never shared a screen together, Hilary Duff took to Instagram to remember the actress as someone who she was able to bond with over their shared experience as young Hollywood stars.
Hilary wrote on Instagram Tuesday, "Sweet Hayden. Really tough hearing this news. We lost touch through the years but I will always remember you as so hardworking and effervescent, with that big, gorgeous smile."
"I remember staying up late, chatting and gossiping, and connecting because we were part of such a small sliver of people who actually understood the strange lot in life we were navigating," she continued. "So young, with no real idea how to make sense of any of it."
"I so deeply wish this wasn't the end for you," she concluded. "Sending a heart full of love to your family, the many people you impacted and everyone who loved you. rest easy."
Panettiere was found in cardiac arrest prior to her death, the Greenville County Coroner's Office said Monday in a press release. The coroner's office said an autopsy was completed on Monday and that "no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death."
Panettiere's official cause and manner of death "remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies," the coroner's office added.
Beginning her career as a child star, with a long list of credits in both TV and film, Panettiere is remembered for her roles as Claire Bennet on the hit series Heroes and as Juliette Barnes on the musical drama Nashville.
She was the mother of one child, daughter Kaya Klitschko, whom she had in 2014 with former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko.
A photo of Darren Criss. (Ian Johnston). | A photo of Sherry Cola. (Leslie Alejandro) | A photo of James Monroe Iglehart. (Deneka Peniston)
Several stars have joined the cast of Disney's upcoming spinoff movie set in the Descendants franchise.
Disney Channel and Disney+ announced that Darren Criss, Sherry Cola, James Monroe Iglehart, Hugo Ateo, Sean Yves Lessard and Dan Bakkedahl have joined the cast of Hidden Heroes: A Descendants Story. The new film centers on the descendants of classic Disney sidekicks and goes into production this month.
"Hidden in the center of each fairy tale is a portal to a secret training facility where the descendants of legendary sidekicks are challenged to join the elite ranks of partners to heroes," according to an official description. "When a villainous duo comes to Sidekick Academy, a group of fresh recruits must band together — without heroes, without parents — using only their new skills to save the fairytale realm before it’s too late."
Criss will play Jiminy Cricket from Pinocchio, Iglehart will play Genie from Aladdin, Cola and Ateo will play Yzma and Kronk from The Emperor’s New Groove, Lessard will play Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast and Bakkedahl will play Yen Sid from The Sorcerer’s Apprentice in Fantasia.
Notably, Iglehart is returning to the role of Genie. He won a Tony Award in 2014 for originating the part in the Broadway production of Aladdin.
The film's main cast includes Dior Goodjohn as Jennie, the daughter of Genie; Momona Tamada as Zara, the daughter of Yzma; Jacob Rodriguez as Kronk Jr., the son of Kronk; Eva Fossaceca Smedley as Meri, the daughter of Merryweather from Sleeping Beauty; and Harry Jones as Lou, the son of Lumiere.
Also part of the cast are Rhys Dawkins, Connor Wong and Kyra Wong as the Potts siblings from Beauty and the Beast. Only Murders in the Building director Jude Weng is helming the film that was written by Tamara Chestna, Eydie Faye and Emma Fletcher.
Wladimir Klitschko and Hayden Panettiere attend the 34th annual Sports Emmy Awards Reception at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center on May 7, 2013, in New York City. (Jemal Countess/Getty Images)
Movie and TV star Hayden Panettiere "left this world far too soon," her ex-fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, said on Tuesday, adding that she was "an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya."
"The announcement of Hayden’s tragic death saddens me deeply," the longtime heavyweight champion boxer said on social media.
Panettiere was found in cardiac arrest prior to her death Sunday at age 36, the Greenville County Coroner's Office said Monday in a press release. The coroner's office said an autopsy was completed on Monday, and that "no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death."
Panettiere's official cause and manner of death "remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies," the coroner's office added.
Beginning her career as a child star, with a long list of credits in both TV and film, Panettiere is remembered for her roles as Claire Bennet on the hit series Heroes and as Juliette Barnes on the musical drama Nashville.
She was the mother of one child, a daughter, Kaya Klitschko, whom she had in 2014 with Klitschko.
"To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was," Klitschko said on Tuesday. "I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden’s parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today. Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon."
Klitschko, who in the post shared a photo of himself with Panettiere, asked for privacy during a difficult time.
Panettiere had been candid about her struggles from child stardom through adulthood. She released a memoir this May titled This Is Me: A Reckoning.
In the memoir, she shared "a rare and intimate glimpse into her life behind closed doors, opening up about postpartum depression, addiction and recovery, trauma, domestic abuse, and loss," according to a synopsis for her book.
"She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry," he said. "Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives."
We now know when to expect season 2 of The Terminal List. Prime Video is releasing the second season of the Chris Pratt-starring series on Oct. 21. The show is based on the bestselling novels of the same name by author Jack Carr. The story follows Navy SEAL commander James Reece as he battles conspiratorial forces ...
The teaser trailer for The Diplomat has arrived. Netflix has released a new trailer and the release date for the upcoming fourth season of the drama series. The new season of the show is set to debut on Oct. 15. Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, Ato Essandoh, Ali Ahn, Nana Mensah, Rory Kinnear, Bradley Whitford and Allison Janney star in season 4 ...
It's time to make it shine. Netflix has released the teaser trailer and release date for its Victorious spinoff series Hollywood Arts. The show will premiere on Oct. 15. It finds Trina Vega, once again portrayed by Daniella Monet, as she returns to her former high school as a substitute teacher. She then finds herself inspiring a new generation of talented students ...
Snowfall's Wanda and Leon take on the music business in the show's spinoff, The Drop: A Snowfall Saga.
A trailer shows Wanda expressing her belief in the power of music to reshape American culture, much like it helped transform her life as she recovered from a crack addiction in the original series.
"You gotta understand what I been through. When I was getting clean, music brought me back to life," says Wanda, played by Gail Bean.
Though she enters the business believing it's "the new gold rush" with "no cops, no murder," the trailer reveals that danger follows as she immerses herself in the music industry and navigates its ties to the streets.
Leon, played by Isaiah John, has vowed to leave that world behind as he hopes to "chase down his own atonement through his free legal clinic," according to the show's website.
The Drop: A Snowfall Saga, which also stars Asante Blackk, Peyton Alex Smith, Simmie “Buddy” Sims III and Brandon Mychal Smith, premieres Sept. 8 on FX and Hulu.
Disney is the parent company of ABC News, Hulu and FX.
The book covers for Sarah J. Mass’ next installments in 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' series. (Bloomsbury)
Sarah J. Maas has revealed the titles and covers for the next two novels in her A Court of Thorns and Roses series.
The bestselling author took to Instagram on Monday to reveal the books will be titled A Court of Splintered Harmony and A Court of Forgotten Melody.
Her post featuring the book cover for A Court of Splintered Harmony was captioned, "What was broken will be remade."
Maas' post for A Court of Forgotten Melody included the caption, "What was lost will be reclaimed."
A Court of Splintered Harmony will be released on Oct. 27, 2026, while A Court of Forgotten Melody will be released on Jan. 12, 2027.
Digital billboards displayed across Los Angeles, Denver and New York City also helped announce the news on Monday.
In March, Maas told Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper that her popular ACOTAR series will continue with books six and seven.
"It's been a long time coming," she said at the time. "It's something that took me a long time to write, just because there were enough things going on in my life that I had to sort through."
She didn't reveal much about the upcoming novels, but talked about her writing process, saying, "The story that was finally ready to come out of me was big. Really, really big. And as I started writing this in like this Montana energy vortex, it came out of me in a way that surprised me."
She went on, "By the time I got to the end of the part one, it was, like, 400 pages long. But what I was writing felt right. That was the story that needed to be told."
What resulted was 1,000 pages of storytelling, she said. Because of this, she's decided to release the next part of the ACOTAR series in three parts.
She added, "I've never told a story this way. This is how it wants to come out. Why do I have to be held back by the realities of the glue that we need to hold the pages or just like placement on a shelf?"
The author introduced the first ACOTAR book to the world in May 2015. It follows 19-year-old huntress Feyre, who is taken to a magical land by a beast-like creature called Tamlin, described as a lethal, immortal faerie.
"Her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae," a book synopsis said.
A Court of Mist and Fury was released in 2016 followed by A Court of Wings and Ruin in 2017 and A Court of Frost and Starlight in 2018.
A Court of Silver Flames was released in February 2021.
Maas' announcement was also a part of the author's rebrand of her digital presence, with her previous social media posts removed on Instagram and her website transformed into a darkened landing page.
Julia Stiles attends the NBC Winter TCA Press Tour - All-Star Party on Jan. 14, 1999, at The Muse in Pasadena, California. (Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
It's not too good to be true, we can't take our eyes off of this 10 Things I Hate About You musical announcement.
A musical adaptation of the beloved film 10 Things I Hate About You is headed to Broadway in 2027. It will start preview performances on Aug. 17, 2027, in a yet-to-be announced theater. The production's cast and additional creative team members will also be announced at a later date.
"Class begins one year from today. See you August 17, 2027 on Broadway," the production's official Instagram captioned an announcement post.
Lena Dunham wrote the musical's book alongside Jessica Huang. Music and lyrics are by Carly Rae Jepsen and Ethan Gruska. The show's music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements are by Tom Kitt. It will be directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon.
This new musical "takes us back to the halls of Padua High. Amid the crushes, cliques, and teenage angst, two sisters set out to define themselves on their own terms. This rebellious new musical is about growing up, discovering yourself, and refusing to live by others’ expectations," according to its official logline.
10 Things I Hate About You is a teenage high school take on William Shakespeare's classic The Taming of the Shrew. The 1999 film starred Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Larisa Oleynik. One of its most-famous scenes finds Ledger's Patrick Verona descending the high school's bleachers as he sings a cover of Frankie Valli's “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You" to woo Stiles' Kat Stratford.
This production marks Dunham's Broadway creative team debut. Jepsen previously performed as the titular princess in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella back in 2014.
Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Harrison in Netflix's 'A Different World' (Netflix)
A new semester begins in September at the fictional Hillman College.
A new trailer to the show follows Maleah Joi Moon's Deborah Wayne, daughter of fan favorites Whitley and Dwayne, as she begins her college years at their alma mater, Hillman College.
"My parents have been pushing Hillman since before they knew my name," she tells a counselor who questions her reason for attending the school. "I wanna prove to them I can crush it."
The clip features Deborah introducing her roommate to mother, Whitley; what appears to an impending romance with the college football star; and Deborah finding her voice as she leads a movement on campus.
"You are forging your own legacy at Hillman," Whitley tells her daughter.
In addition to Whitley and Dwayne, played by Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Harrison, the trailer features original A Different World cast members Freddie Brooks (Cree Summer) and Ron Johnson (Darryl M. Bell).
Witney Carson appears on 'Good Morning America' on Aug. 17, 2026. (ABC News)
Dancing with the Stars pro Witney Carson is returning to the ballroom for season 35 and has a new partner to tango with.
The two-time Mirrorball champion revealed Monday on Good Morning America that she'll be hitting the dance floor with none other than longtime Jimmy Kimmel Live! personality Guillermo Rodriguez this season.
"I was so stoked," Carson said when she learned she and Rodriguez would be teaming up. "I think he is so sweet. He's so fun. That's exactly what I need in this season of life that I'm in, just someone who's fun, personable.”
Carson is also appearing in a new episode of Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro airing Monday night. She said she "was genuinely impressed" by all of the contestants vying for a pro spot on season 35 alongside her.
"This specific challenge was really telling," Carson said. "It was exactly laid out like Dancing with the Stars, so they had to teach a novice, beginner dancer, how to do a routine in four days."
Carson will also share the dance floor with another new partner this season. She revealed she is pregnant with her third child.
"I am expecting, so I will be dancing with this little baby right here," Carson said. "Very excited, but I would be lying if I said it wasn't very daunting. I've never been this far along, pregnant, and competing on Dancing with the Stars before."
The professional dancer, who already shares two sons with husband Carson McAllister, said she's excited to show people she can take on the challenge.
"Someone the other day was like, 'You can just hide it with some fringe and rhinestones,' and I was just thinking, 'I don't want to hide it,'" the mom of two said. "I'm so proud to be a woman, to be creating life, and growing this human, and to be able to do the show and compete and be able to grow this life is such a huge blessing."
As for the upcoming season, Carson said she's not sure how it will unfold but remains excited for whatever happens.
"It wasn't on my bingo card to compete on Dancing with the Stars and be four months pregnant, but I think that it's a beautiful thing, and I think I'm really excited," she said.
"This show is so beautiful, and I think why people keep coming back to watch it is because it's so joyous," she added. "We really support each other and the camaraderie and the positivity that it brings to people, and I think people are just drawn to that energy. It's a little escape for people. And I'm very grateful to be a part of a show that promotes that."
Hayden Panettiere attends the LA premiere of 'Blonde' at TCL Chinese Theatre on Sept. 13, 2022, in Hollywood, California. (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic via Getty Images)
Hayden Panettiere was remembered on Monday as an "amazing talent."
The actress, who launched a career as a child actor, including an appearance in Remember the Titans, and later became a TV star with leading roles in Heroes and Nashville, died over the weekend at age 36, according to her representatives.
Panettiere also starred in Raising Helen, Ice Princess and several Scream films.
Panettiere's former co-stars and industry colleagues paid tribute to her this week.
"What an amazing talent you were....so gifted," Viola Davis, the Oscar-winning actress who co-starred with Panettiere in the 2016 film Custody, wrote in the caption of an Instagram post Monday morning.
Davis described Panettiere as "an old, wise soul with such a deep heart," adding, "I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming."
SAG-AFTRA, a union representing performers and broadcasters, wrote in a social media post, "Our hearts are with her daughter, family, friends & fans."
Bethany Joy Lenz, who starred alongside Panettiere on the soap opera Guiding Light in the late 1990s, paid tribute to her former co-star in an Instagram post.
"I'm crushed. I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen," Lenz wrote alongside a carousel of photos, including several shots of Panettiere as a young girl. "She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between Guiding Light blocking and camera rehearsals. Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else's. Her intelligence was astonishing."
Lenz wrote that Panettiere "understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I'd ever seen on camera" and would "sit with you for a great conversation, then giggle and go play."
"These are moments of how I knew you, in glimpses over 26 years. I don't know how to process this. I am praying for you to know the peace of God now and always," she added.
Heather Matarazzo also remembered Panettiere in a post on Instagram.
"Devastated…..... We first met on the [Long Island Rail Road] traveling to NYC for auditions when we were both kids," she wrote. "Every time our paths crossed, my heart always filled up. She was special. She was a Sprite of a being and such a talent. Truly a light.... Love you, Hayden."
Panettiere died in South Carolina, her representative told ABC News early Monday morning, and an investigation into her death is "ongoing."
Further details surrounding Panettiere's death were not immediately available.
Panettiere had been candid about her struggles from child stardom through adulthood. She released a memoir in May titled This Is Me: A Reckoning.
She was the mother to one child, her daughter Kaya Klitschko, whom she had in 2014 with her ex-fiancé, heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu has set its streaming debut. The film will arrive on Disney+ on Sept. 2. Jon Favreau directed the film that stars Pedro Pascal as the titular bounty hunter. Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White also star ... Disney is the parent company of ABC News.
Another season of Finding Her Edge is on the way. Netflix has announced that season 2 of the ice dancing drama begins production later in August. Madelyn Keys, Cale Ambrozic and Olly Atkins are set to return to their starring roles ...
In other Netflix news, the streaming service has greenlit two new series. One is called Sid & Zoey and the other is Sunshine Girls. The former is an eight-episode supernatural mystery young adult romance series, while the latter follows a young girl who moves from California to New York ...
MJ (Zendaya) swings through the city with Spider-Man (Tom Holland) in Columbia Pictures 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' (Photo by: Jay Maidment)
Spider-Man: Brand New Day has reached a major box office milestone.
The latest Spider-Man film, starring Tom Holland as Peter Parker, has surpassed $2 billion at the global box office after three weekends in theaters.
The film has earned $785.8 million in North America and more than $1.2 billion internationally, bringing its worldwide total to $2.022 billion.
Brand New Day is the second-fastest movie in history to reach $2 billion, behind 2019's Avengers: Endgame, which reached the milestone in 11 days.
The film joins seven other movies that have surpassed $2 billion worldwide: Avatar, Avengers: Endgame, Ne Zha 2, Avatar: The Way of Water, Titanic, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Avengers: Infinity War.
It is also the third movie released this decade to reach the milestone, following Avatar: The Way of Water in 2022 and Ne Zha 2 in 2025.
The latest Spider-Man movie has been breaking records since opening in theaters on July 31.
The film earned $360 million in North America during its opening weekend, surpassing the $357 million opening of Avengers: Endgame to score the biggest domestic opening weekend of all time.
Globally, Brand New Day debuted with $927 million and went on to surpass $1 billion worldwide after six days in theaters.
The movie remained at No. 1 at the domestic box office during its third weekend, adding another $70 million to bring its North American total to $785.8 million.
Brand New Day has earned $785.8 million domestically. The all-time domestic box office record is held by 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which earned more than $936 million.
Here are the top 10 films at the box office this weekend:
1. Spider-Man: Brand New Day — $70 million 2. The Odyssey — $23.2 million 3. The End of Oak Street — $21 million 4. PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie — $20.5 million 5. Katseye: Wild Hearts — $3.95 million 6. Six: The Musical Live! — $3 million 7. The Brink of War — $2.7 million 8. Toy Story 5 — $2.3 million 9. One Night Only — $2 million 10. Vishwanath and Sons — $1.6 million
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Hayden Panettiere on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)
Actress Hayden Panettiere has died, her representative confirmed to ABC News. She was 36 years old.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her -- and to the millions who watched her onscreen," her father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement.
Her father asked for privacy "as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss."
Further details surrounding Panettiere's death were not immediately available.
Beginning as a child star, with a long career in both TV and film, Panettiere is remembered for her roles as Claire Bennet on the hit series Heroes and as Juliette Barnes on the musical drama Nashville.
She also starred in Remember the Titans, Raising Helen, Ice Princess and Scream 4.
Panettiere has been candid about her struggles from child stardom through adulthood. She released a memoir this May titled This Is Me: A Reckoning.
She is the mother to one child, her daughter Kaya Klitschko, whom she had in 2014 with her ex-fiancé, heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.
Her brother, Jansen Panettiere, died suddenly in February 2023 from cardiomegaly (enlarged heart) coupled with aortic valve complications, his family said in a statement at the time. He was 28.
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event returns to Anaheim from August 14, 15, and 16, 2026. (Disney)
Disney superfans are gathering in Anaheim, California, this weekend for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, where there will be no shortage of announcements made.
From sneak peeks of new Disney movies and shows to first looks at new experiences and products, D23 is the place where news is made for fans of Disney's theme parks, characters and more.
Read below for a full recap of this year's announcements.
Movies Frozen 3 will feature a wedding, a new villain, a new love interest and of course new music when it hits theaters on Nov. 24, 2027.
Hexed will arrive in theaters on Nov. 25, featuring Walton Goggins, Hailee Steinfeld and Jodie Foster starring in her first-ever Disney animated movie.
The Bluey Movie will arrive in theaters on Aug. 6, 2027, and D23 attendees got a first look at the teaser trailer and poster for the CG-animated film.
Avengers: Doomsday stars assembled onstage to give fans a special look at the new movie, hitting theaters on Dec. 18.
X-Men has a new cast, including Adam Driver, Kit Connor, Christopher Abbott, Samara Weaving, Inde Navarrette and Maya Boyd.
Zootopia 3 is in the works, two of the movie's stars, Ginnifer Goodwin and Ke Huy Quan, announced alongside Disney Animation head Jared Bush.
Clay, a new animated movie starring Kieran Culkin, is coming to theaters in November 2028.
Star Wars: Starfighter will arrive on May 28, 2027, according to director Shawn Levy and star Ryan Gosling.
Incredibles 3 is coming to theaters in summer 2028, and the Parr children will take center stage in the movie, according to Pete Docter, chief creative officer at Pixar Animation Studios.
Coco 2 will premiere in movie theaters in November 2029, according to actor Benjamin Bratt, who also shared that he'll reprise his role as Ernesto de la Cruz in the movie.
Princess Diaries 3 is currently underway, the movie's star, Anne Hathaway, announced onstage, adding that the team is hard at work on the highly-anticipated movie.
Lilo & Stitch 2 will premiere in theaters on May 28, 2028, and, according to a newly-released image, will feature the character, Angel.
Ice Age: Boiling Pointstarring Queen Latifah and Dennis Leary, is debuting only in theaters on Feb. 5, 2027.
The live-action Tangled movie is coming to theaters on March 31, 2028.
Ghost Street will be released in spring 2028, becoming Pixar's first ghost movie.
TV, streaming and theater VisionQuest, starring Paul Bettany, will debut on Oct. 14 on Disney+. Check out the trailer.
Ahsoka season two premieres on Jan. 20, 2027 on Disney+, and the first trailer of the new season was released.
Oswald, a three-part mini-series featuring Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, is coming to Disney+ in February 2027, Jon Favreau announced.
Season three of Percy Jackson and the Olympians will arrive on Disney+ on Nov. 20, and the show's stars — including surprise guests Ming-Na Wen and Andra Day — debuted the official teaser trailer for the new season.
The Greatest Showman will arrive at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London in Spring 2027.
Kingdom Hearts, an original anime series inspired by the video game franchise, is coming soon to The Disney Channel and Disney+.
Stay tuned for more announcements Saturday night during the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23.
The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of Marvel Entertainment and ABC News.
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