Hayden Panettiere's Dad, Skip Panettiere Is a Former Firefighter

Who is Hayden Panettiere’s dad, Skip Panettiere? He rocketed back into the news when he confirmed his daughter’s tragic death. His real name is Alan Lee Panettiere.

Alan “Skip” Panettiere is a former firefighter from New York. When Hayden’s brother, Jansen, died at age 28 of a heart problem, Good Morning America described the siblings’ father as “firefighter Alan Lee ‘Skip’ Panettiere.” Hayden had a very troubled relationship with her mother, Lesley Vogel, who is divorced from Skip. Read about Hayden’s mom here.

Page Six described Skip as a “retired captain in the New York City Fire Department.” Hayden Panettiere died on August 16, 2026, although the cause of death is not yet clear.

Hayden Panettiere Said She Had a ‘Great Relationship’ With Her Dad, Skip Panettiere

In contrast to her relationship with her mother, with whom she did not have contact, Hayden said in May 2026 that she had a positive relationship with her father.

“My dad and I have a great relationship,” she told US Weekly. “I actually went and lived with him and my step mom for a while, where I was born and raised in Rockland County, and felt like being at home regrounded me. Being around family reminded me of who I am at my core.”

Her dad confirmed Hayden’s death to ABC News. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen,” he said. Skip requested privacy “as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss.” She was only 36.

Alan Skip Panettiere Was Accused of Striking Hayden’s Mom

In 2008, The New York Daily News reported that Alan (Skip) Panettiere, then 49, a retired New York City firefighter, “was arrested for allegedly punching his wife, Lesley, with a closed fist during a drunken fight at their California home.”

“The victim was struck three times,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Steve Whitmore to The Daily News. “I can confirm that alcohol was involved in the incident.”

The incident occurred around 3 a.m. at her parents’ home, the publication reported at the time. The couple started arguing at a benefit dinner for their daughter, The Daily News reported.

Hayden told Entertainment Tonight that her first acting role was in a commercial when she was a baby. Her mom was a former soap actress. “My introduction to acting was actually at 11 months old. Playskool Toy Train was my first commercial, but, I don’t know if that would really be an introduction to acting, because I don’t think acting was involved at that point. I didn’t have lines, I was just playing.”

She ended up starring in highly regarded films like Scream and Remember the Titans.

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