Panettiere's survival: Grief, sobriety, and return to Scream

Hayden Panettiere, 33, is reflecting on a challenging period marked by the recent death of her brother, Jansen, at 28, just weeks before the release of "Scream VI." She reprised her role as Kirby Reed in the film.

Panettiere, who has a history of survival from her child acting days and struggles with postpartum depression and substance abuse, found herself in survival mode again due to grief. She cut short her press tour for the film following her brother's passing.

Born and raised in New York, Panettiere began acting at 11 months old. Her career includes roles in "Heroes," "Scream IV," and "Nashville." In 2014, she gave birth to her daughter, Kaya, and began self-medicating with alcohol and opioids, leading her to a treatment facility in 2015.

She has been sober for nearly two years, prioritizing her health with Peloton and organic meals. Panettiere also spoke about her relationship with Brian Hickerson, who pleaded no contest to felony assault charges against her in 2021. Both are now sober, and Panettiere acknowledges their renewed connection is "contingent on him continuing on this road of recovery."

She expressed anxiety about returning to acting due to memory recall issues but is open to future projects, including a potential album and other film genres.