The ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville’ star gives a candid look at her experience in the entertainment industry and personal journey off-screen
Hayden Panettiere is now an author.
On Jan. 22, the actress, 36, shared the cover of her new memoir This Is Me: A Reckoning in an Instagram post. The book is due out this spring via Grand Central Publishing, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.
Growing up as a child actor, Panettiere has long been in the public eye. Early roles in films like Remember the Titans and soap operas like One Life to Live led Panettiere to some of her most recognizable work, including the NBC series Heroes, the Scream movie franchise and ABC show Nashville, for which Panettiere was nominated for two Golden Globe awards. She also became the face of skincare brand Neutrogena, projecting a “squeaky-clean” version of herself to the world, the book’s synopsis states.
But Panettiere soon felt the mounting pressure of Hollywood and the spotlight alike. As the memoir’s synopsis teases, “In an era of relentless paparazzi with an appetite for celebrity breakdowns, naysayers were certain this young starlet would crash and burn. Not one to disappoint, she did.”
This Is Me traces Panettiere’s life in the entertainment industry, alongside a larger narrative about the pressures that young stars face. Panettiere writes of navigating tabloid headlines and taking on roles that “mirrored her real-life trauma,” all while facing her own struggles off-screen. The actress has been open about her experiences with addiction and postpartum depression, as well as the unexpected death of her brother Jansen in 2023.
“She’s played the part of a misfit hero, a superstar, a survivor, a cheerleader and an all-American fresh face,” the book’s synopsis teases. “In This Is Me, Hayden stars in her most heart-wrenching and unforgettable role yet: herself.”
Panettiere first teased her memoir in 2024. At the time, the book was titled Scream and Break Free: Addiction, Trauma, and How the Cheerleader Saved Herself.
“You may laugh a little, cry a little, but most importantly, you’ll hopefully finish it feeling inspired. I’ve grown so much from my experiences,” she told PEOPLE of the memoir at the time. “I hope that this opportunity to further elaborate on that journey may provide a little comfort for those who have faced similar challenges. I’m truly grateful for every lesson, and for the woman I have become today.”
