Hayden Panettiere’s Final Film Has a Rhode Island Connection

Hollywood is mourning the loss of actress Hayden Panettiere, who died on Sunday in Greenville, South Carolina. She was just 36 years old.

Details surrounding her death are still emerging, with an apparent drug overdose reportedly being investigated as a possible cause. Though the actress had often spoken of her struggles with addiction and mental health, she seemed to be rebuilding her career and returning to the spotlight.

In fact, her final film was one made right here in Rhode Island.

Get our free mobile app

Hayden Panettiere Filmed Her Final Movie in Rhode Island

Back in 2025, Panettiere, along with Mischa Barton, Beverly D'Angelo and Justin Chatwin filmed the psychological thriller Sleepwalker in East Greenwich. Now, some of her co-stars are remembering their time working with the actress on the Rhode Island set.

Co-Stars Remember Hayden Panettiere on the Set

Chatwin recently spoke with People about working with Panettiere, saying she seemed "really lonely" while they were filming Sleepwalker together and that he "could tell she was struggling."

READ MORE: Big Screen Thriller Brings Famous Faces to Rhode Island

Actress Lori Tan Chinn, who also appeared in the film, shared her own memories of working with Panettiere with Page Six.

Panettiere's Role in Sleepwalker Hits Close to Home

Given Panettiere's own experiences as a mother, her Sleepwalker role may have hit particularly close to home.

Produced by East Greenwich-based Verdi Productions, the film tells the story of a mom (Panettiere) who is haunted by the loss of her daughter after a family car accident.

Hayden Panettiere Returned to Rhode Island for Premiere

Panettiere even returned to Rhode Island in January for an invite-only Sleepwalker premiere at The Greenwich Odeum, giving her one final connection to the state where the movie was filmed.

READ MORE: Unique Rhode Island Story Heading to Big Screen Soon

It's a bittersweet reminder that while her time on screen may have been cut too short, Rhode Island will always be part of the story of her final film.