Actress Melissa Gilbert, a former child star, is calling for systemic changes in Hollywood to protect young performers following the deaths of Hayden Panettiere, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Daveigh Chase. In an essay, she urged studios to address exploitation and provide free mental health support for child actors. Panettiere died on August 16, 2026, at age 36.
Hayden Panettiere's death prompts Melissa Gilbert to demand child star protections
Source: WION