Hayden Panettiere, the original voice of Kairi in the Kingdom Hearts series, has died at 36. Fans of the Square Enix and Disney RPGs have shared tributes, including Alyson Stoner, who later took over the role.
Stoner first voiced Kairi in the Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories remake. In a tearful Instagram video, they reflected on working with Panettiere and her brother, Jansen, who died in 2023.
Alyson Stoner, Kairi’s current voice actor, shared an emotional reaction to the news of Hayden Panettiere’s death.
— Maku, August 17, 2026
“From one Kairi to another, I just wanted to acknowledge the tremendous loss, not only for the Kingdom Hearts family, but of course, all the close loved ones and millions of lives that Hayden reached,” Stoner said.
Square Enix also issued a statement describing Panettiere’s performance as Kairi as “unforgettable.”
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Hayden Panettiere.
Through her performance as Kairi, Hayden brought warmth, heart, and an unforgettable voice to the Kingdom Hearts series.
Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and loved ones.”
Panettiere’s video-game roles
Panettiere played Kairi in the first two numbered Kingdom Hearts games. She also voiced Xion in the 3DS release Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, a character Stoner voiced across the series as well.
Beyond Kingdom Hearts, Panettiere was known to game players as Sam in Until Dawn. Her wider acting career was centred on film and television, with prominent roles in Nashville and Heroes, along with other Disney projects.
No official cause of death has been announced. However, early reports referenced concern about possible cardiac arrest in a 911 dispatch call.
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