Hilary Duff has paid tribute to "hardworking and effervescent" Hayden Panettiere following the actress' death.
The two stars shot to fame as teenagers in the early 2000s, with Hilary starring in Lizzie McGuire and Hayden - who passed away on Sunday (16.08.26) at the age of 36 - appearing in One Life to Live, and while they lost touch over the years, the Younger star will always cherish their late-night bonding conversations.
Hilary wrote on Instagram: “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. 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. Sending a heart full of love to your family, the many people you impacted and everyone who loved you. rest easy.”
Meanwhile, Brittany Snow paid tribute to her "supportive, curious, funny and brave" onscreen sister, who she starred with on Guiding Light and Kingdom Hearts.
She wrote on her Instagram Story: “I was lucky enough to play your sister for 3 years.
"I related to you so much in so many ways. Ways that I never even told you. Your talent was remarkable and so was your determination to be a bold, bright shining light. And you were.
“Always supportive, curious, funny and brave. You will always be remembered undoubtedly for your undeniable strength and spirit.”
"Heartbroken" Paris Hilton shared some throwback photos of herself and Hayden on her Instagram account.
She wrote: “Heartbroken over the loss of my friend Hayden.
“She was such a beautiful soul — so talented, strong, kind and full of so much love and light. It’s impossible to believe she’s gone.
“I’ll always cherish our friendship, all the memories we shared, and the special moments we had together. My heart is with her family and everyone who loved her during this unimaginable time. Love you forever, Hayden. Rest in peace, angel. You will be so deeply missed.”
Hayden's father, Alan Panettiere, broke the news of her death on Monday (17.08.26).
He said in a statement through her representative: "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."
