Charles Esten shared memories of his late co-star Hayden Panettiere following her death Sunday at age 36. The actor, who played Deacon Claybourne on the country music drama "Nashville," recalled their first meeting during the pilot audition. Esten described the encounter as a "great gift," praising Panettiere's talent and warmth on set.
Esten joined "Nashville" as a late addition to the pilot, becoming the last series regular announced in March 2012. His tribute came after Connie Britton, the show's lead actress who played Rayna Jaymes, shared her own emotional statement about Panettiere, who portrayed the troubled pop star Juliette Barnes across the series' six-season run.
The ABC drama launched in 2012 and became a cultural touchstone for its exploration of Nashville's music scene and the messy personal lives of its characters. Panettiere's role as the volatile, ambitious Juliette provided much of the show's central conflict and earned her widespread recognition. Her chemistry with the ensemble cast, including Esten, became central to the show's appeal.
Both Esten and Britton's public remembrances underscore the deep bonds forged during the show's production. Their statements reflect the widespread grief within the entertainment industry following Panettiere's unexpected passing. The actress had stepped back from public life in recent years but remained a beloved figure among fans of "Nashville," which concluded in 2018.