Lesley Vogel, the mother of Hayden Panettiere, has spoken publicly for the first time following her daughter’s unexpected death at age 36, just days before Hayden’s 37th birthday. The two had been estranged prior to her passing. Vogel shared her thoughts in a phone interview with NBC News on August 18, discussing her daughter’s talent and the challenges of growing up in the entertainment industry. She expressed that it can be tough for young performers to stay true to themselves and noted that Hayden seemed to have lost her way.
Vogel also mentioned the recent loss of Hayden’s younger brother, Jansen, who died at 28 in 2023, feeling that both siblings are now at peace together. This interview is Vogel’s first since Hayden’s death and comes after a long-standing strained relationship between them. Hayden had openly addressed the difficulties in their relationship, particularly in her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” which was released in May.
In May, during an appearance on “On Purpose with Jay Shetty,” Hayden reflected on her early start in acting at eight months old. She noted that her mother’s role shifted from being a parent to her manager, which blurred boundaries as she grew up. Hayden stated that she felt like a confidant and a source of support instead of just being her mother’s child. She recalled a significant conversation at age 19 while working on “Heroes,” in which she asked Lesley to stop managing her career to help rebuild their personal connection. Hayden described this exchange as hopeful but ultimately disappointing when her mother seemed to focus on financial aspects.
Vogel managed Hayden’s career from a young age and commented on these issues around the time of the memoir’s release. She disputed some claims but acknowledged their estrangement. In a statement to Page Six, Vogel suggested that the current tensions might be linked to book sales, explaining that she had cut off communication after many years of trauma. She mentioned that many parents of child actors are familiar with watching their children make difficult choices and expressed a desire for them to live fulfilling lives.
Vogel stated that parents cannot save someone who does not wish to be saved and highlighted the challenges of acceptance in such situations. Despite the distance between them, Hayden had expressed a hope in May for potential reconciliation, stating that their lack of relationship did not mean the door was completely closed for future opportunities to reconnect.
What are your thoughts on their relationship?
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Source: Amo Media, by Amo Media