"SAVE THE CHEERLEADER, SAVE THE WORLD": Jimmy-Jean Louis remembers Heroes co-star Hayden Panettiere after her death

Gladys Altamarino Tue, August 18, 2026 at 1:26 AM UTC

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Jimmy Jean-Louis is remembering his former Heroes co-star Hayden Panettiere following her death at age 36.

Jimmy Jean-Louis, who played The Haitian in the hit NBC series, paid tribute to the late actress on X/Twitter, recalling his time protecting her character, Claire Bennet.

"SAVE THE CHEERLEADER, SAVE THE WORLD. It was an honor to protect Claire Bennett for 4 unforgettable seasons."

The reference comes from one of Heroes' most recognizable storylines.

Claire, played by Hayden Panettiere, was a high school cheerleader with regenerative abilities whose survival became central to the show's first season.

Jimmy Jean-Louis appeared along with Hayden Panettiere in all four seasons of the TV series. Jimmy's character's job was to protect Claire as forces wanted to catch her or harm her due to her extraordinary ability.

With a heartbroken emoji, he concluded his tribute with a painful farewell:

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"Goodbye, Hayden"

Kim Cattrall, Bethany Joy-Lenz honor Hayden Panettiere after her death at 36

Hayden Panettiere died on Sunday, Aug. 16, at a residence in South Carolina, according to reports. She was just five days away from her 37th birthday.

In an official statement by her father, Skip Panettiere, to ABC News, he requested privacy for his family during this tough time.

"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. We ask for privacy as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss."

Her death has prompted tributes from several of her former co-stars and collaborators, including Kim Cattrall, who played Panettiere's mother in the 2005 film Ice Princess.

The 69-year-old star took to her Instagram page to post a nostalgic photo of herself with the late star from the coming-of-age movie.

"Rest in peace sweet Hayden. Gone far too soon."

The long-time friend of Panettiere, Bethany Joy Lenz, has also paid tribute to the actress in an extensive post on her social media account. In her tribute, she shared memories from the past years.

"I'm crushed. I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. 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. She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I'd ever seen on camera. And she'd sit with you for a great conversation, then giggle and go play."

The One Tree Hill actress went on:

"Hayden, you are surrounded by love. I'm sorry for every moment I didn't reach out or check in. This can't be real. These are moments of how I knew you, in glimpses over 26 years. I don't know how to process this."

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”