Hayden Panettiere's difficult life under the spotlight detailed after her death at 36

Hayden Panettiere, who died Sunday at 36, spent most of her life in the spotlight. Her journey from child star to acclaimed actress in "Heroes" and "Nashville" was marked by the intense pressures of fame.

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From a very young age, I lost the opportunity to have a normal childhood, friends, relationships, and privacy.

Panettiere's acting career began at just 11 months old, guided by her actress mother. By age 4, she was on "One Life to Live," and by 8, she joined "Guiding Light." She told The Hollywood Reporter she was "prepared" to be an actress, describing herself as a "little soldier."

Her career flourished with roles in Pixar's "A Bug's Life," the football drama "Remember the Titans," and the TV series "Ally McBeal." She also starred in "Raising Helen" and "Bring It On: All or Nothing." At 17, she achieved new fame with the hit TV drama "Heroes," playing the regenerating cheerleader Claire Bennet.

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I was like a little soldier, and I always have been. A 'no' was never an option.

This level of stardom brought unprecedented attention, including relentless paparazzi harassment. Panettiere reflected in her autobiography, "This Is Me," that she lost the chance for a normal childhood, friendships, relationships, and privacy. She also noted lingering back injuries from a fall on the set of "Racing Stripes" over 20 years prior.

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save the cheerleader, save the world