Courteney Cox breaks silence on Hayden Panettiere death with emotional tribute to ‘Scream’ co star

Courteney Cox has shared an emotional tribute to her late Scream co star Hayden Panettiere, remembering the actress as a talented performer who was fun, happy and smart during their final time working together.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly at the Toronto International Film Festival, Cox reflected on her experience filming Scream VI with Panettiere. The actress, who died on August 16 at the age of 36, had returned to the horror franchise as Kirby Reed after first playing the character in Scream 4 in 2011.

"She’s a really wonderful actor," Cox said while discussing Panettiere. She also recalled their final experience together fondly, describing her former co star as "really fun and happy and smart" before expressing how difficult her death has been.

"It’s really sad. It’s obviously horrible," Cox added.

Cox and Panettiere first appeared together in Scream 4, released in 2011. Panettiere played Kirby, a horror movie fan whose knowledge of the genre became an important part of her character. Although Kirby was seemingly killed during the film, her survival was later confirmed, allowing Panettiere to return for Scream VI in 2023.

The reunion marked a significant moment for fans of the franchise, particularly because Cox had remained one of its central performers since the original Scream in 1996. Her character, Gale Weathers, has appeared throughout the series, making Cox and Panettiere’s connection part of the franchise’s longer history.

Panettiere’s death has prompted tributes from several of her former colleagues across film and television. The actress was also widely remembered for her performances in Heroes and Nashville, where she played Claire Bennet and Juliette Barnes respectively. Her career began during childhood, with later roles establishing her as one of the recognisable young performers of her generation.

Following her death, the cast of Heroes also reunited to honour Panettiere. Jimmy Jean Louis shared photographs from the gathering and described the event as an emotional celebration of her life, while Jack Coleman, who played her father on the series, published his own tribute.

Panettiere’s death remains under investigation. Greenville police previously said there were no indications of foul play or suspicious circumstances, while the official cause of death had not initially been confirmed. Reports surrounding a possible overdose were part of the early investigation, but authorities had not established an official cause at that stage.

Cox’s latest comments therefore add another personal memory to the tributes surrounding Panettiere’s death. Rather than focusing on the circumstances surrounding her passing, Cox remembered the person she worked alongside, highlighting Panettiere’s talent, intelligence and warmth during their final time together.