Emma Roberts Remembers Scream 4 Co-star Hayden Panettiere

The loss of Panettiere, discovered unresponsive at a residence in Greenville on August 16, has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the industry. While official investigations by the Greenville Police Department and the local coroner’s office continue, authorities have noted no signs of foul play or trauma. The actress was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency responders arrived.

Roberts and Panettiere first collaborated on the 2011 film Scream 4, playing pivotal roles in the Woodsboro franchise alongside Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox. Their onscreen dynamic mirrored a genuine off-screen connection, which Panettiere detailed in her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning. She described the production as a uniquely joyful period, noting that she had never laughed as hard as she did while working alongside Roberts and the rest of the young cast.

Beyond their personal friendship, the two actresses shared a significant professional milestone, as both were navigating major career shifts during the Scream production. While Roberts moved toward darker, more mature projects, Panettiere cemented her status as a fan favorite through her portrayal of Kirby Reed. That character, initially introduced as a horror-obsessed teenager, eventually became a staple of the franchise, with Panettiere returning to the role years later in Scream VI as an FBI agent. For now, the film community remembers Panettiere not only for her enduring contributions to the genre but for the warmth she brought to her closest colleagues.