After Hayden Panettiere’s tragic passing, Courteney Cox recalls Scream days: “Really Wonderful Actor”
Courteney Cox is looking back on her time with Hayden Panettiere, and the memory she’s holding onto hits even harder after Panettiere’s tragic death.
On the ground at the Toronto International Film Festival, Courteney Cox paused mid-conversation about her second directing project, Evil Genius, to remember Hayden Panettiere and the time they spent together on the Scream set. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Cox went straight to what she loved about her friend and co-star.
“She’s a really wonderful actor. The last time I worked with her we had a great time. She was really fun and happy and smart, and it ’s really sad. It’s obviously horrible,”
Cox and Panettiere first shared the screen in Scream 4 (2011) and reunited in Scream VI (2023), with Cox returning as Gale Weathers and Panettiere as fan-favorite Kirby Reed.
Waves of remembrance
Cox’s comments join a growing chorus of tributes from colleagues and friends who’ve been honoring Panettiere in the weeks since her passing.
- Blake Lively — shared an emotional message on social media calling for kindness while remembering Panettiere.
- David Arquette — posted his condolences and memories of his Scream family member.
- Rosie O’Donnell — honored Panettiere online with a heartfelt remembrance.
- Heroes reunion — Panettiere’s former castmates gathered to honor her; Jack Coleman, who played her character’s father on the series, wrote on Instagram:
“I’m heartbroken. I couldn’t begin to put my thoughts into words until now, and they will be inadequate,”
- Michelle Rodriguez — recalling co-hosting the World Music Awards with Panettiere in 2010, the Fast & Furious star reflected at a 25th anniversary screening of The Fast and the Furious:
“Her curious spirit and how happy and joyous she is, because that’s her memory, right?”
Panettiere died on August 16, 2026 , at the age of 36.