Hayden Panettiere’s On-Screen Father Breaks His Silence on Her Death

In the days following Hayden Panettiere’s tragic and sudden death, social media has been flooded with tributes to the actress.

However, in one of the most emotional and touching tributes, her on-screen father from Heroes shared a heartbreaking message about her passing and his memories of her.

Related: Hayden Panettiere Fans Blame Estranged Mom Following Actress’ Sudden Death

Jack Coleman starred as Panettiere’s dad, Noah Bennet, on the NBC series, which ran from 2006 to 2010. In a post shared on Instagram, Coleman revealed that Panettiere called him “daddio” from the very first day they met on set 20 years ago.

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“I’ve loved Hayden since day one of the pilot of Heroes, 20 years ago, when she introduced herself by shouting “daddy” and throwing her arms around me. From that day on, she called me daddio. She was Haydini, because she was a magician,” he wrote.

“She brought joy to the set and a photographic memory. Everyone was in awe of her ability to bring it every take. A tiny colossus who loved to laugh. We laughed a lot. That shining face, that megawatt smile, that wasn’t just for the camera. That was her. She glowed.”

He also went on to detail how she was hunted by the paparazzi as a teenager, calling them predatory. Coleman also expressed regret and anger regarding her tragic death.

“I love you, Hayden. I’ll miss you. I’m so sorry you suffered. I’ll remember how happy you were on set and on the European press tour; how you championed Tess when she was being bullied; your commitment to animal welfare and the courage to put yourself in harm’s way to protect them,” he continued. “I only wish you had been given that same protection.”

Coleman’s daughter, Tess, whom he mentioned in his tribute, also shared a sweet memory of Panettiere, commenting, “I’ll always remember the way she made me feel seen, heard, and protected, three things that meant everything at that age. She championed other people in a way she so often wasn’t championed herself. That’s one of the rarest qualities a person can have, and it’s something I’ll never forget.”