Psychologist weighs in on pressures of fame after Panettiere’s death

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Tributes are pouring in for actress Hayden Panettiere following her sudden death at age 36.

Panettiere, known for roles in “Heroes,” “Nashville,” and the “Scream” franchise, was found unresponsive Sunday in Greenville, South Carolina. Authorities have said there were no signs of foul play, and her cause of death remains under investigation.

Panettiere spent much of her life in the spotlight, beginning her acting career as a child before becoming a household name as an adult.

WWAY spoke with Wilmington licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Erika Fisher about the challenges that can come with growing up in the public eye and dealing with personal struggles under constant scrutiny.

Fisher said recovery can already involve setbacks, but those challenges can become more difficult when they unfold in front of an audience.

“A lot of people who are struggling with depression or recovery of all sorts, there’s times where you fall and it’s not a perfectly paved road after that, it’s ups and downs and things like that, and so to be in the public eye, every single down that you have and every single up that you have becomes something that the world is watching.”

Panettiere had previously spoken publicly about her struggles with addiction and postpartum depression. Earlier this year, she released a memoir detailing parts of her life, including her experiences with early fame and addiction.

Fisher pointed to other celebrities, including Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson, who have also had personal struggles play out publicly.

She said celebrities who enter the entertainment industry at a young age can spend much of their childhood in front of cameras, with the attention and recognition that come with fame sometimes creating additional pressures later in life.

Panettiere’s death remains under investigation.