It is not uncommon for child actors in Hollywood to also have siblings who are part of the industry. Think of the Olsen twins and Elizabeth Olsen, Dakota and Elle Fanning, and Ben and Fred Savage, to name a few. Another pair of siblings who could be added to this list is Hayden and Jansen Panettiere. Sadly, Jansen was found dead this past weekend in New York City at just 28 years old.
Hayden has yet to publicly comment on this tragic event. She and Jansen appeared to be close, so it is fair to infer the shock of his unexpected death may be overwhelming. Grief is a highly personal process.
According to TMZ, on Sunday, February 19, 2023, at around 5:30 p.m. police were dispatched to an undisclosed New York residence. It was there that Jansen was discovered deceased. Not many details are available at this time, but no foul play is suspected.
Jansen and Hayden were five years apart, with Hayden being the dutiful older sister. She paved the way for Jansen to also pursue acting. One of his first roles was on the Disney Channel series Even Stevens. He also voiced a character on the animated series Jacob Two-Two.
He would go on to earn roles on shows such as Hope & Faith, Third Watch, and Everybody Hates Chris. He did not abandon voiceover, either. He voiced characters on shows such as Blue's Clues and films such as Ice Age: The Meltdown.
He would continue acting in the 2010s and expand his résumé. He appeared in the films The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry and The Perfect Game. He also appeared on the popular television series The Walking Dead. He even got to work with his sister on three films, such as 2011’s The Forger.
Beyond the world of acting, Jansen was an artist. He had recently shifted his focus to painting and designing. For his creations, he went by the name of RANE.
Jansen’s last Instagram post was of his girlfriend, Catherine Michie, standing in front of one of his colorful paintings. Catherine took to her personal Instagram account to remember and honor Jansen.
"Jansen, I met you only a year ago, but you have been my best friend and biggest fan," she began.
"I will never forget the first time I saw your face and the first things you said to me," she continued. "Words cannot express the pain of knowing I won't hear your laugh again. I hope you find peace, and I'm sorry I wasn't there when you needed me most."
“The world is better because you were in it. I know we will paint together again someday. I’ll always be your sugarpop. Someone wake me up and tell me this is a dream,” she concluded. She signed off “love you, Bubbles.”
