Hayden Panettiere’s Ups and Downs Through the Years: Domestic Violence, Brother’s Death, More

Hayden Panettiere has had quite the career — and her personal life has been just as captivating.

The Golden Globe-nominated actress started modeling at 5 months old and appeared in her first commercial when she was 11 months old. Her big break came in 1994 when she began playing Sarah Roberts on One Life to Live at age 5.

She continued to impress onscreen with roles in Remember the Titans, Raising Helen and Scream 4, but made an even bigger splash with her television work. 

The New York native is best known for her leading roles on Heroes as cheerleader Claire Bennet and Nashville as singer Juliette Barnes. 

She was nominated for two Golden Globes for the music-based series and was nominated for a People’s Choice Award for Favorite Dramatic TV Actress in 2015.

At times, the actress’ personal struggles overshadowed her professional success through the years.

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After welcoming daughter Kaya with then-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko in December 2014, the Guiding Light alum endured postpartum depression. She sought treatment twice to improve her mental health and openly talked about her ups and downs after giving birth.

“It takes you a while. You feel off. You don’t feel like yourself,” Panettiere told Good Morning America’s Lara Spencer in January 2017. “But, you know, women are so resilient, and that’s the incredible thing about them. I think I’m all the stronger for it. I think I’m a better mom because of it. Because you never take that connection for granted.”

The pair split in August 2018, and shortly after Panettiere began dating Brian Hickerson, who was arrested for domestic violence against her in May 2019. Months later, the case against him was dropped, but his family worried that he and the actress are “very toxic for each other,” a source told Us Weekly that November.

Panettiere and Hickerson broke up after another domestic violence incident in February 2020. Five months later, the actress spoke out about her situation, telling Us that she hopes her story “will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve.”

She later confirmed in an April 2023 interview with the New York Times that she and Hickerson were still together despite his past actions. In addition to overcoming her alcoholism, Hayden’s brother, Jansen Panettiere, died at the age of 28 in February 2023 of an enlarged heart. “Jansen’s heart could be seen in his eyes, and his charm in his brilliant, engaging smile; his soul in his masterful and revealing paintings, and the joy of life in his dry wit,” read a statement from Hayden and her parents, Lesley Vogel and Skip Panettiere, at the time. “His charisma, warmth, compassion for others, and his creative spirit will live forever in our hearts and in the hearts of all whom he encountered.”

Scroll down for the highs and lows of Hayden's life in the spotlight.

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Hayden Panettiere has had quite the career — and her personal life has been just as captivating.

The Golden Globe-nominated actress started modeling at 5 months old and appeared in her first commercial when she was 11 months old. Her big break came in 1994 when she began playing Sarah Roberts on One Life to Live at age 5.

She continued to impress onscreen with roles in Remember the Titans, Raising Helen and Scream 4, but made an even bigger splash with her television work. 

The New York native is best known for her leading roles on Heroes as cheerleader Claire Bennet and Nashville as singer Juliette Barnes. 

She was nominated for two Golden Globes for the music-based series and was nominated for a People’s Choice Award for Favorite Dramatic TV Actress in 2015.

At times, the actress’ personal struggles overshadowed her professional success through the years.

[jwplayer hSaTnzlA]

After welcoming daughter Kaya with then-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko in December 2014, the Guiding Light alum endured postpartum depression. She sought treatment twice to improve her mental health and openly talked about her ups and downs after giving birth.

“It takes you a while. You feel off. You don’t feel like yourself,” Panettiere told Good Morning America’s Lara Spencer in January 2017. “But, you know, women are so resilient, and that’s the incredible thing about them. I think I’m all the stronger for it. I think I’m a better mom because of it. Because you never take that connection for granted.”

The pair split in August 2018, and shortly after Panettiere began dating Brian Hickerson, who was arrested for domestic violence against her in May 2019. Months later, the case against him was dropped, but his family worried that he and the actress are “very toxic for each other,” a source told Us Weekly that November.

Panettiere and Hickerson broke up after another domestic violence incident in February 2020. Five months later, the actress spoke out about her situation, telling Us that she hopes her story “will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve.”

She later confirmed in an April 2023 interview with the New York Times that she and Hickerson were still together despite his past actions. In addition to overcoming her alcoholism, Hayden’s brother, Jansen Panettiere, died at the age of 28 in February 2023 of an enlarged heart. “Jansen’s heart could be seen in his eyes, and his charm in his brilliant, engaging smile; his soul in his masterful and revealing paintings, and the joy of life in his dry wit,” read a statement from Hayden and her parents, Lesley Vogel and Skip Panettiere, at the time. “His charisma, warmth, compassion for others, and his creative spirit will live forever in our hearts and in the hearts of all whom he encountered.”

Scroll down for the highs and lows of Hayden's life in the spotlight.

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The New York native kicked off her career as a baby, starring in commercials. By age 5, she landed her first major acting role on One Life to Live. She followed that up with another soap role on Guiding Light before becoming a Disney staple starring in Remember the Titans, Tiger Cruise and Ice Princess.

The actress is best known for portraying Claire Bennet on Heroes from 2006 to 2010. Two years later, she returned to TV on Nashville. Hayden played Juliette Barnes for six seasons on the ABC (and later CMT) show and sang in numerous episodes.

For her work in Nashville, Hayden got a nomination in the Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film at the Golden Globes in 2012 and again in 2013.

After splitting from Scotty McKnight in December 2012, the actress got back together with Klitschko, whom she originally dated from 2009 to 2011, in February 2013. The following month, Us Weekly reported the duo were engaged, and she confirmed the news that October.

A source told Us that Hayden was “totally pregnant” with her first child in May 2014. She revealed she was expecting a baby girl at the 2014 Emmys that August, and she and Klitschko welcomed daughter Kaya that December. “You hear that they’re healthy, and you just don’t care about yourself anymore,” she said on Good Morning America in April 2015. “It’s the most out-of-body experience, where you go, ‘I will completely lay myself on the line for my child. Without even a hesitation.’”

“I suffered a bit of postpartum depression,” the Heroes alum told Us in September 2015. She elaborated on Live! With Kelly and Michael that same month, saying, “It’s something that needs to be talked about. Women need to know that they’re not alone, and that it does heal.”

Hayden took a leave from Nashville and checked into a treatment facility in October 2015 as she continued to battle postpartum depression. “If you think for one second that a mother wants to feel that way toward her child, you’re outta your mind,” she later told Yahoo! Style. “It is one of the most debilitating, scary, guilty feelings that you can ever feel.”

Hayden made a big-screen return in the courtroom drama Custody, starring opposite Viola Davis and Tony Shalhoub. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2016.

The actress sought help for her postpartum depression again in May 2016. “The postpartum depression I have been experiencing has impacted every aspect of my life,” she tweeted at the time. “Rather than stay stuck due to unhealthy coping mechanisms I have chosen to take time to reflect holistically on my health and life. Wish me luck!”

Hayden spoke out about her ongoing battle in a January 2017 GMA appearance. “Women are so resilient, and that’s the incredible thing about them,” she said at the time. “I think I’m all the stronger for it. I think I’m a better mom because of it. Because you never take that connection for granted.”

Hayden split with the former boxer after nine years of dating off and on, their breakup making headlines in August 2018 after she was spotted with a mystery man.

Us confirmed days later that the mystery man she was spotted with was Hickerson. Around the same time, a source told Us that Hayden and Hickerson had been dating “for a couple months” and were “having fun.” The following month, a source said that the duo were “getting serious” and were “full steam ahead.”

Cops from South Carolina’s Greenville City Police Department responded to a call about “a domestic assault in progress” after an alleged altercation between Hickerson and his father in November 2018. The cops allegedly found Hayden “intoxicated” and “frantic” during the incident. Later that month, a source told Us the actress’ pals were worried her relationship was “not a healthy situation.”

An insider told Us in February 2019 that the Nashville alum hadn’t “had much time” with Kaya since her split with Klitschko. “She knows the child being with her is not best for [Kaya right now],” the insider added. “It’s a sad situation.”

“I’ve lived a big life, I’ve met a lot of people. I learn something new from [Brian] every day, and that’s something that not many people can provide me with,” Hayden told Us later that month. When asked if she thought she and Hickerson would get married someday, she responded, “I think so. I hope so.”

Hickerson was arrested for domestic violence in Hollywood in May 2019 after police discovered “redness and marks” on Hayden's body following an argument the couple had. A 911 caller reported that the duo were “in both [a] physical and verbal argument,” according to Radar Online.

Two weeks after Hickerson’s arrest, he and the actress were spotted holding hands on a coffee date in Los Angeles.

Three weeks after the incident, Hickerson was charged with felony domestic violence and subjected to a prosecutor-requested protective order mandating that he cannot come within 100 yards of Panettiere or contact her via phone, email, or third party. The prosecutor in the case claimed Hickerson “hit [Panettiere] on the face, causing her to get dizzy” during the May 2019 altercation.

“The restraining order is the beginning of something good,” a source told Us that same day. “Change is different, and to be honest with yourself, but everyone is very afraid for Hayden, and her friends and family believe that people with this history do not change overnight.” A week later, a source told Us that the actress’ family and friends were worried that she and Hickerson weren’t following the court order. “There is not one single person out there who isn’t concerned about Hayden,” the source added. “What Brian did to Hayden is unacceptable behavior, and it’s not to be tolerated.”

The domestic violence case and the protective order against Hickerson were dismissed in September 2019. “The prosecution did not have their witnesses,” a source told Us, indicating that Hayden declined to participate or testify in the prospective trial.

“Brian’s family is extremely concerned for his safety when he is with Hayden,” a source told Us in November 2019. “They are terrified that Brian will once again find himself accused of domestic violence. Hayden and Brian are very toxic for each other.”

Us confirmed in February 2020 that Hickerson was arrested for allegedly punching the Ice Princess actress in the face. The incident marked his second arrest in nine months.

The former child star “is in danger with Brian,” a source told Us exclusively in February 2020 after Hickerson’s alleged domestic abuse arrest. “Add impairment issues from drinking too much and it will have a tragic outcome if she continues the relationship.”

After Hickerson was arrested for allegedly attacking Hayden, the Heroes alum tweeted a photo in February 2020 of Klitschko dancing with their daughter, Kaya. She called her ex the “best father ever.” However, one fan responded to her tweet and asked “before or after he beat you,” mistakenly confusing Klitschko for Hickerson. But Hayden set the record straight, replying back: “Wrong guy. Klitschko’s r legends. That’s my CHAMP.”

In February 2020, a source told Us that Hayden's ex-fiancé Klitschko is worried for her over her relationship drama with Hickerson. “Wlad is very concerned for Hayden,” the insider revealed. “He still cares for her and truly wishes her the best.”

After Hickerson pleaded not guilty to domestic battery charges in April 2020, multiple sources told Us that he and Hayden had called it quits. "She's in a good place right now," one source said of the actress. "She's on the path to recovery." Another source said at the time that Hayden was leaning on her ex-fiancé for support in the aftermath of her breakup.

The Heroes alum sought a protective order against her ex-boyfriend in her home state of California in July 2020, shortly before she made a powerful statement in support of domestic violence survivors. "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," she said in a statement to Us at the time. "I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again. I'm grateful for my support system, which helped me find the courage to regain my voice and my life." Her attorney, Alan Jackson, later praised the actress' "strength and courage to share the truth" about her experience as she continues to heal.

According to court documents obtained by Us in July 2020, Hickerson was charged with eight counts of domestic violence and assault — seven felonies and one misdemeanor. If convicted, the South Carolina native could face up to 10 years in prison. One month later, a source told Us that Hickerson was accused of intimidating or influencing a witness in Wyoming, which led to a 50-state warrant being placed for his arrest.

In August 2020, Hickerson turned himself into the Teton County Sheriff's department in Wyoming and was released on a $25,000 bond one day later. News of his most recent arrest came shortly after a source told Us exclusively that he had previously threatened to share "embarrassing" information about Hayden. "Specifically, he threatened to release videos of her," the insider said. "Some of the 'embarrassing' information ... appears to be four short video clips that were sent from [Brian] to [Hayden] during this exchange from a previous incident at an unknown date and time." At the time, Hickerson denied the allegations.

“6 years ago today, I met the most amazing (not so little anymore) creature,” Hayden gushed via Instagram in December 2020 alongside a photo of her daughter Kaya’s How to Train Your Dragon-themed birthday cake. “Can’t believe my baby girl is getting so big! #HappyBirthdayKaya #blessed @klitschko.”

The actress’ ex Hickerson pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend in April 2021. The remaining six counts, which include battery, assault with a deadly weapon and dissuading a witness, were dismissed. He was sentenced to 45 days in county jail but has credit for 12 days in accordance to his plea deal. He will be on probation for four years and must pay $500 in fees following his completion of jail time.

A source exclusively told Us in July 2021 that the former Disney star met up with Hickerson after he was released from jail in May. The actress was seen line dancing with her ex during one of their reunions. They were also spotted at a Los Angeles bar to watch the NBA finals together.

In March 2022, Hayden and Hickerson were involved in a brawl outside the Sunset Marquis Hotel in Los Angeles. The Raising Helen actress’ rep said in a statement to Us that the pair were dining at the hotel’s restaurant when he got into an altercation with another patron. “That same individual along with the group he was with began badgering and shoving Brian at which point security pushed everyone outside,” the rep said, adding that Panettiere attempted to break the fight up. “Hayden was refused the opportunity to provide a statement to the police as she was escorted back inside,” her rep claimed. “She is OK.”

Though the cops were called, by the time they arrived on the scene everyone involved in the incident had dispersed and police found “no evidence of a crime,” per a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office. The authorities declined to file a report.

The Ice Princess actress opened up about her addiction to opioids and alcohol, reflecting on overcoming her struggles through trauma therapy and inpatient treatment. "This hasn't been easy and there were a lot of ups and downs," she told People in July 2022. "But I don't regret even the ugliest things that have happened to me. I feel incredibly accomplished. And I feel like I have a second chance."

Hayden recalled hitting "rock bottom" during her "really tough" battle, which impacted her relationship with Klitschko. "He didn't want to be around me," Hayden said of her now-ex. "I didn't want to be around me. But with the opiates and alcohol I was doing anything to make me feel happy for a moment. Then I'd feel worse than I did before. I was in a cycle of self-destruction. ... There was just this gray color in my life."

In September 2022, the actress reflected on her highs and lows in the spotlight during an episode of Red Table Talk, recalling her "rock bottom" moment in her addiction battles. "I had taken some time off after Nashville ... and I was leaning on that bottle during that time off," she said. "It was really, really bad. I had nowhere to be and nothing to do. ... Even though I knew I had to stop, I couldn't."

Hayden also opened up about her daughter's custody situation, claiming that she "didn't even know" Kaya was being sent to live with Klitschko overseas full-time until it had already happened. "I felt horribly guilty, but ... I knew that the most unselfish thing I could do was to make that hard decision and just try to work on myself," she added. "I thought she was going over to visit him like she always did. ... Once she was over there it was immediately, 'I want full custody of her,' which was a shock to me. ... It was the most heartbreaking thing I've ever, ever had to do in my life."

Hayden stepped out in November 2022 to attend the amfAR Gala in Los Angeles. She donned a sexy red blazer dress, black tights and black high heels. The event came two months after the actress opened up on Red Table Talk about her past struggles with addiction and custody of her daughter, Kaya.

Us confirmed that Hayden’s brother, Jansen, died at the age of 28 at his home in Nyack, New York, in February 2023. It was later revealed that his cause of death was an enlarged heart. “Jansen’s heart could be seen in his eyes, and his charm in his brilliant, engaging smile; his soul in his masterful and revealing paintings, and the joy of life in his dry wit,” read a statement from Hayden and her parents at the time. “His charisma, warmth, compassion for others, and his creative spirit will live forever in our hearts and in the hearts of all whom he encountered.”

She broke her silence on her family’s loss the following month. “He’s right here with me,” she said during an appearance on Good Morning America while promoting Scream VI.

Hayden opened up about her alcoholism battle during an April 2023 cover story with Women's Health, in which she revealed the wild side effects she experienced upon quitting drinking. “I struggled with sleep deprivation. Sleep is massive," she shared. "It affects your motor skills, your ability to think and your overall health...my body was like, ‘enough’."

The Tiger Cruise star continued: "My face was swollen. I had jaundice. My eyes were yellow. I had to go to a liver specialist. I was holding on to weight that wasn’t normally there. My hair was thin and coming out in clumps."