Hayden Panettiere, the voice of Kairi, dies at 36

Hayden Panettiere, the original English voice of Kairi in the early Kingdom Hearts games, has died at 36. Game Informer reported the news on August 17.

She voiced Kairi in Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts II and Birth by Sleep, carrying the character through the series' first decade. She did not return for Kingdom Hearts III, where Alyson Stoner took over the role.

Outside the series she was Claire Bennet in Heroes and Juliette Barnes in Nashville, with films including Remember the Titans and Scream 4 behind her. She also played Sam Giddings in Until Dawn and its 2024 remake, lending her likeness and performing the motion capture for the role.

Our condolences go to her family and loved ones.