Story perspectives

Hayden Panettiere Memoir Details Early Stardom, Trauma, Friend’s Death

5/16/2026

Summary

Panettiere Memoir

Hayden Panettiere released her memoir *This Is Me: A Reckoning* in the United States on May 19.
She began acting before age one in 1990 and later appeared on *One Life to Live*.
Lesley Vogel said Panettiere owes her, diagnosed her with a personality disorder, and ended contact after two decades of trauma.
Jansen died from a heart condition in February 2023 at age 28.

Summary

Panettiere Censors Memoir

Hayden Panettiere consulted her publicist-friend and ex-fiancé Vlad Klitschko to ensure memoir would not upset him.
She omitted names of industry figures, including a “much older man” from a yacht incident, to avoid lawsuits.
Panettiere considered naming Stephen Colletti and Milo Ventimiglia but judged the risk too high.
She adopted a strategy to name those whose reputations would not be harmed while her team reviewed content to protect herself legally.

Summary

Panettiere Cancels

She cancelled several commitments after a breakdown, with her publicist’s approval.
She felt isolated on the set of Nashville, finding most support from co-star Jonathan Jackson.
She advises her 11-year-old daughter to pursue acting and attend college, noting she never attended college herself.
She wants to branch into action roles, producing, directing and comedy.
She says people-pleasing caused substance-abuse, leaving her still struggling to control her career.

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Panettiere Memoir

Hayden Panettiere released her memoir *This Is Me: A Reckoning* in the United States on May 19.
She began acting before age one in 1990 and later appeared on *One Life to Live*.
Lesley Vogel said Panettiere owes her, diagnosed her with a personality disorder, and ended contact after two decades of trauma.
Jansen died from a heart condition in February 2023 at age 28.

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