Michelle Rodriguez Says It's "Not Normal" How Many Young Stars Are Dying After Hayden Panettiere's Sudden Death

Michelle Rodriguez is speaking out with a heavy heart. At the 25th anniversary screening of“The Fast and the Furious”in Los Angeles on Monday, she opened up about the sudden death of her friend, Hayden Panettiere. Panettiere, best known for her roles in“Heroes”and“Nashville,”was found unresponsive at an Airbnb in South Carolina on Sunday. She was just 36 years old. Rodriguez, who co-hosted the World Music Awards with Panettiere in 2010, said the number of young stars passing away is“not normal”and“weird.”She remembered Panettiere’s“curious spirit”and the joy she brought to those around her.

Panettiere had been public about her struggles with addiction and postpartum depression for years. She released her memoir,“This Is Me: A Reckoning,”just this past May. Her death follows a troubling pattern of former child stars leaving us far too soon. Michelle Trachtenberg and Daveigh Chase also passed away in their 30s. Rodriguez’s emotional reaction shines a light on the hidden pressures of fame and the toll it can take on mental health.

It’s a sobering reminder that the people we see on screen are human, with real battles and real pain. It makes you want to reach out to the people you love and make sure they know they matter. What do you think needs to change to better protect young stars in Hollywood? Drop your thoughts in the comments.