Child stars from the 2000s era pass away before age 40

Following the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, attention has turned to several child stars from the 2000s era who passed away before the age of 40.

Panettiere, who died at age 36 on August 16, had a career spanning from age 4 in ‘Guiding Light’ to roles in ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville’. In 2022, she spoke publicly about her struggles with depression and addiction to alcohol and opioids. Her death was attributed to a suspected overdose.

Michelle Trachtenberg, known for ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Gossip Girl’, died at age 39 on February 26, 2025. A New York medical examiner ruled her death natural, resulting from complications of diabetes. Lee Thompson Young, recognized for the Disney series ‘The Famous Jett Jackson’, also passed away at age 29.