Parade

Iconic actor Robert De Niro is celebrating his 83rd birthday on August 17. Born in New York City, the outspoken Academy Award winner has a lengthy list of credits spanning decades. 

De Niro first knew he wanted to be an actor at an early age. In 2012, he told Interview Magazine, “I was about nine or 10 or something. I don’t remember what made me want to be an actor.” According to the Goodfellas star, his parents were “both supportive” of his decision.

Robert De Niro at the Golden Globes. (Photo by Justin Lubin/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)

“They would never tell me no. My mother worked for a woman, Maria Ley-Piscator, who with her husband founded the Dramatic Workshop, which was connected to the New School. My mother did proofreading and typing and stuff for her, and as part of her payment, I was able to take acting classes there on Saturdays when I was 10.” 

He later spoke about his acting methodology, telling Michael Parkinson in 1981, “Some actors work cerebrally, some work physically; I like to work physically a lot of the times. It helps me feel it. I mean clothes. Putting on certain clothes can give you a feeling of another character.”

Jodie Foster and Robert De Niro sit together at a diner in a still from the film, ‘Taxi Driver’ directed by Martin Scorsese. (Photo by Columbia Pictures/Fotos International/Getty Images)

De Niro continued, “Which it does to actual people who are characters. It helps them identify with the role that they want to play in life. Be a businessman, or whatever they want, you know. And one thing can give it to you.”

Robert De Niro’s Acting Credits

His on-screen career started in the 1960’s, with films such as Greetings and The Wedding Party. By the 1970s, De Niro had hit his stride, gaining fame for roles in Mean Streets, The Godfather Part II, Taxi Driver, and The Deer Hunter.

Robert De Niro. (Photo by Raph GATTI / AFP via Getty Images)

The actor continued to garner critical praise in the 1980’s, 1990’s, and beyond for standout performances in Raging Bull, Angel Heart, The Untouchables, Goodfellas, Awakenings, Cape Fear, A Bronx Tale, Heat, Casino, Marvin’s Room, Jackie Brown, Wag the Dog, Analyze This, Meet the Parents, Men of Honor, Silver Linings Playbook, Joy, The Irishman, and so many more.

He won a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award in 1974 for the role of young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II, and another Oscar in 1981 for his portrayal of boxer Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull. De Niro also won a Best Actor in a Motion Picture Golden Globe for Raging Bull (in 1981) and a Cecil B. DeMille Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2011. 

The Actor as a Director 

Along with acting, De Niro has also directed two films: A Bronx Tale in 1993 and The Good Shepard in 2006. 

He spoke candidly about his directorial debut with Interview Magazine, sharing, “It was a little hard. I remember I asked certain directors, like Marty Scorsese, certain things about the way you do this or that. I also talked to other actors who had turned directors, like Danny DeVito. I guess I felt that I’d be okay. I didn’t want to build up some kind of fear of it.”

Robert De Niro’s Politics Robert De Niro speaks onstage during Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment on June 14, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

The 83-year-old isn’t shy about his political stance. The outspoken critic of Donald Trump has publicly bashed the President on several occasions. 

Most recently, he slammed Trump during the Rise Up, Sing Out concert in June, saying, “I can’t love a country that’s led by Donald Trump and his sycophant Congress…I want to love my country again. I want my country back.”

Let’s be real: Your pet is more than a family member. They’re your favorite family member. Have more than one? Consider it a tie for the top spot. (We won’t tell any applicable parents, partners or human children.) Naturally, then, you don’t want your pup or kitty eating just any old kibble, snoozing in a run-of-the-mill bed or using anything less than the coolest cat tree.

In short, your fur baby deserves only the best. At Parade, we get it because we’re right there with you. Many of our editors and writers are pet parents themselves who also pore over pet product reviews and descriptions with a fine-tooth (grooming) comb. We want our pets to eat the healthiest diet, play with fun and durable toys and travel in total luxury. But we also know that pet marketplaces are a dime a dozen (thanks, Internet). Also, these days, some review pages simply don’t pass the sniff test. There’s nothing compared to hand-tested recommendations from people who love their dogs and cats as much as you do.

That’s where we come in. We’ve tried products that have failed and ones that have changed the game for our pets (and us—and our furniture). We want you to know about them. From treats and food to vacuums and toys and paw protection in between, these are the 40+ pet products we’re not shy about championing. They’re practically purr-fect, so we call them “Best In Show.”

How We Tested These Pet Products

Listen, reviews have their place—they can help you set baselines and filters. But at Parade, we want more for our pets and yours. So, we’re not just reading reviews–we’re diving deep with testing done by the team and their own pets. Products are evaluated by a team of writers, veterinarians and pet behavior experts. Our pets also joined in the chorus (and their voices absolutely mattered). From there, we narrowed the list to the best of the best and eliminated the rest.

As such, “Best in Show” signifies a product that stands out in performance, safety and user experience. You can trust that if a product is marked “Best in Show,” it works, lasts and is something pets truly love. We think you’ll love it, too. Without further ado, here are the champion products.

Pet Home Essentials

Pet hair on chairs and couches? A litter box that reeks? These pet parent pain points are not the nature of having a little “beast.” These workhorse litter boxes, air purifiers and vacuums keep your home looking and smelling sweet.

Best Kitty Litter: Dr. Elsey’s

Chewy

After sifting through numerous litter options, Dr. Elsey’s Kitty Litter became the clear winner. Its odor control is so good that guests think multi-cat families are pet-free—ditto for the heavy, non-tracking granules.

“Dr. Elsey’s is the one litter I always recommend to fellow cat parents,” raves Brittany Galla, Parade‘s Editorial Lifestyle Director. It keeps odors under control, forms hard clumps that make scooping easy, and I don’t feel like I’m constantly sweeping up litter from every room.”

Shop It! Best Odor-Blocking Litter: Arm and Hammer Double Duty Clumping Litter

Walmart

Arm and Hammer’s Double-Duty is something of a workaholic when it comes to making your home smell fresh, and that was purr-fectly alright with ParadePets Editor Mary Hawkins. “I swore by this kitty litter when my precious cat was still alive and wouldn’t use anything else,” Hawkins says. “The odor control alone is second to none, and you never knew I had a litter box, even though I lived in an apartment at the time.” Arm & Hammer’s formula includes baking soda crystals, which nixes pee and poop odors right away. The dust-free, low-tracking formula and no-spill spout make keeping house with a cat a breeze.

Shop It! Best Unscented Litter: Tidy Cats

Chewy

Parade Social Media Director Devon Sherer searched high and low for a cat litter that absorbed smell without having a smell. “Fresh scent” wouldn’t cut it for someone who admits she “hates smelling litter.” She finally landed on Tidy Cats Free and Clean Unscented, which provides odor control through activated charcoal in a clay litter. You won’t find fragrances or dyes on the ingredients list. “It does a great job of covering up any odors without making itself known,” Sherer says. “It clumps great and is pretty low-dust. I also appreciate that we can find it at many retailers and that it comes in varying sizes.”

Shop It! Best Smart Litter Box: Modkat

Modkat

Litter boxes can be more than a nose-sore (if you don’t have the right litter). Traditionally, they’re not that stylish. Modkat isn’t your cat’s grandmother’s litter box. Its sleek, modern design fits in—or dare we say, stands out stylishly—in a home. It comes in four models (front-entry, dual-entry for multi-cat households, top-entry and tray), as Modkat knows how particular cats are about their “thrones.” Functional as it is “fashionable,” the box is designed with a lid to ensure you also spend minimal time scooping and cleaning it.

Shop It! Best Robot Litter Box: Litter Robot by Whisker

Whisker

An early-comer to the self-cleaning litter box game, Whisker began making them in Y2K. Today, it has three models you can choose from to suit your cat’s size and the number of kitties in your home: The Litter-Robot 5 Pro (5 cats, 3-30 lbs.), the Litter-Robot 4 (4 cats, 3-25 lbs.) and the Litter-Robot EVO (2 cats, 3-19 lbs). The self-cleaning models sift through waste, and you can go at least a week without emptying one if only one cat uses it (and forever without smelling one, regardless of how many kitties you have). The latest model, the 5, is a total tech-savvy upgrade with an integrated dual-camera system and monitors waste at any level.

Shop It! Best Litter Box with Monitor: Tidy Cats Breeze Litter System

Amazon

ParadePets writer Eve Vawter isn’t here to shoot the breeze—not when it comes to Tidy Cats Breeze Litter System. She currently. has two automatic robotic litter boxes in her house. “Real talk… I still keep coming back to the Tidy Cats Breeze System every single time,” Vawter says. “Every. Single. Time. Because nothing, and I mean nothing, keeps litter from tracking all over my floors the way the Breeze does.”

Vawter credits the Tidy Cats Breeze Litter System’s anti-tracking pellets and absorbent pad for keeping dust off the floor and the smell out of her house. “It is just clean, and that is honestly all I have ever wanted from a litter box situation,” Vawter says.

Shop It! Best Pee Pad: Qeil’s Reusable Puppy Pads

Amazon

Accidents happen, but when they happen often, they can cause stress for the whole family—pet included. And the “circle of life” often means that you’ll deal with them earlier and later in your dog’s life. Qeil’s Reusable Puppy Pads were a worthwhile investment for Alani Vargas, Parade‘s Senior Lifestyle Editor, who uses them for her rescue pup, who sometimes pees from anxiety. A completely waterproof bottom layer keeps your floor dry. The super-soft flannel is gentle, but the durable product can withstand many wash cycles—and urine washes out easily without a pre-rinse.

Shop It! Best Dog Blanket: Lesure Waterproof Puppy Blanket

Amazon

Two things are true: Dogs deserve coziness, and your couch deserves to smell fresh and look clean. Lesure Waterproof Puppy Blanket has made both things possible for Vargas, who uses the blanket (which comes in multiple colorways and prints) to keep a barrier between her dog’s hair, body and odor and the couch. When Lesure promises waterproof—they mean it. No dog drool or pee has ever reached her couch. “I adore this waterproof blanket,” Vargas says. “I have it in two patterns that I switch out between baths so it’s always fresh. The material also makes it stay in place. This is an essential for any trips or as a good protective layer for couches, beds, you name it.”

Shop It! Best Dog Bed: Lesure Pet Orthopedic Bed

Lesure

Lesure’s orthopedic bed has dreamy features you’d want if you were shopping for a mattress for yourself at a department store—memory foam (that contours in seconds to cradle aging or pained joints), base foam (strong support for larger dogs) and responsive foam (to help senior dogs rise with shine). Low entry and an L-shaped bolster make it easy to enter and exit, and to support sleepy heads.

Shop It! Best Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair: Shark Rotator Pet Vacuum

Target

There are plenty of fish in the sea, but only one Shark Rotator Pet vacuum. It can grab pet hair from carpets and floors you once thought had become “part of the furniture.” The vacuum also features odor-neutralizing technology and a self-cleaning brush roll, ensuring your home smells fresh and you have time to enjoy it. A 3XL-capacity dust cup and an anti-allergen, complete seal with HEPA filtration are nothing to sneeze at, either.

Shop It Best Vacuum and Grooming Kit for Pet Hair: HomeSurePet

Chewy

This innovative, precise grooming kit and vacuum is a grand slam if you’re looking for efficiency and convenience. A triple-layered sound insulation vacuum that operates at 45 decibels can quell noise-induced pet nerves. The versatile grooming kit includes multiple combs (needle, thinning and silicone), clippers and a lint brush. Plus, a removable dustbin, filter and filter foam make maintenance a cinch.

Shop It! Best Pet Carpet Cleaner: Nature’s Miracle

Chewy

You love your pet, even when they have an accident (or get sick—ugh/aww). But let’s be honest: Stains and odors are vibe fillers, even if your furry friend is the life of all of your parties. Nature’s Miracle gets the stains and stink out in less than 15 minutes with an enzymatic cleaner. Just spray it. You don’t have to pray, but you do need to wait 10 minutes and then—miraculously—it’s like nothing ever happened. The cleaner works on carpets, hard floors, furniture, fabrics and more.

Shop It! Best Pet Stain Eliminator: Rocco and Roxie Extreme Stain & Odor Eliminator

Amazon

Your pet is adorable. The remnants of their messes are not. Vargas has had to deal with her fair share of potty-related accidents (of both varieties) in her home from her dogs and cats. She hails this cleaner by Rocco and Roxie as “by far the best odor eliminator for all things dog and cat pee, especially cat pee.”

That’s not an easy task—IYKYK (and Vargas knows). Plus? She notes this cleaner is, “kind of magic when it comes to stains,” including hard and impossible-to-wash items like rugs or couches.

Shop It! Best Cat Tree: Mau Cat Tree

Amazon

As a mom of three cats, Vawter has seen plenty of cat trees, and they share common threads: They’re “Ugly, carpeted and something you spend the rest of your life trying to hide behind a couch or a plant.”

The Mau Cat tree has given that story a shake-down. Vawter’s eye finds the modern design with hand-woven wicker basket cushions “cool-looking.” It can also handle three rough-and-tumble felines. “It actually belongs in your home,” Vawter says. “The design is sleek enough that I actually do not mind it being the first thing people see when they walk in, which for a cat tree is basically a miracle.”

Shop It! Best Air Purifier: Alen Corporation

Alen Coproation

When you can’t live without pets but have to live with allergies (and sometimes near wildfire smoke), Alen Corporation’s Energy Star-rated line of air purifiers features medical-grade HEPA filtration capabilities that help protect your respiratory system. The technology removes 99.9% of dust, viruses and allergies larger than 0.1 microns and can cover more than 1,000 square feet in half an hour, allowing you to breathe easier.

Shop It! Pet Wellness

Wellness isn’t even a buzzword in the human space these days—it’s part of our culture. Unsurprisingly, upgraded supplements, balms, powders and fur-friendly home exercise gear have gone mainstream in the pet zeitgeist, too. Yet, as with humans, pet wellness picks demand a discerning eye. And since you’re a pet parent who loves your fur baby, we know you have that eye.

Best CBD Oil for Pets: Tribe Tokes Wild Salmon CBD

Tribe Tokes

Omega-3 and CBD are popular ingredients in human supplements. But they’re not in Tribe Tokes’ Wild Salmon CBD to appeal to humans. The brand built it specifically for dogs and cats. EPA supports skin, coat, brain, and immune health, and dosing is based on pet weight. The oil takes the edge off anxiety related to separation, loud noises like fireworks, travel and vet visits. It uses salmon sourced from clean Alaskan water and CBD isolate, so there are few impurities and no THC.

Shop It! Best Pet Home Camera: Blink Outdoor 4 Camera

Best Buy

It’s not technically made for pets. But this tech-forward system was basically made for ParadePets editor Ni’Kesia Pannell’s sweet-but-destructive Great Dane. “Not only is the video quality crisp and clear, but the audio is also amazing,” Pannell says. “Both Bishop and Gambit (my GS) have no issues hearing me when I need to lay down the law or give a little love from far.”

The 24/7 system includes infrared night vision, an impressive two-year battery life, and enhanced dual-zone motion detection that alerts your smartphone to movement stat.

Shop It! Best Budget-Friendly Pet Home Camera: Eufy C220 Camera

Chewy

If you can’t splurge or bear to skimp on peace of mind about your pet, the Eufy C220 Camera offers a rare-to-find middle ground. The under-$40 camera includes clear-as-day 2K resolution, so you can easily “spy” on your furry friend. AI-powered tracking and motion detection, plus 360-degree pan-tilt capabilities, offer full-circle comfort. Meanwhile, no monthly fees for local on-device storage provide relief for your wallet, so you can fork over more dough for tasty pet treats to dole out when you come home to your very good boy/girl.

Shop It! Best Pet Recovery Suit for Spay/Neuter: Kuoser Recovery Suit

Amazon

Kelsey Barberio, Parade‘s Senior Producer, is still raving about Kuoser’s Recovery Suit, earning it repeat-winner status for “Best in Show.” Feeling the giant cones of shame are—well—shameful and “archaic.” Barberio set out to find something better for her dog (and yours). She found a Velcro PJ-style set for her puppy on neuter day. “Not only was it absolutely adorable, but it protected his incision and kept him comfortable,” Barberio says. “The material is very soft, and it comes in tons of cute patterns to match your dog’s personality.”

Shop It! Best Pet Paw Balm: Burt’s Bees for Dogs Nose & Paw Balm

Chewy

This USA-crafted balm is made with all-natural essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein. It combines power with a soft touch to protect your pet from the elements. Speaking of “soft,” it’ll keep your dog’s nose and paws moisturized in all weather. It works like ChapStick, and ParadePets Editor Nora-Marie Santillan says she relies on the balm to keep her senior dog’s nose comfortable every day. “She has one part of her nose that gets so dry and bumpy that I’m afraid it will get infected, but this Burt’s Bees balm helps keep her little nose from getting dry,” Santillan says. “She actually lets me put it on her nose via the stick and then rub the product into the whole nose.”

Shop It! Best Pet Protective Paw-wear: Wagwellies

Wagwellies

Another pet wellness product that’s so nice, we had to include it twice, Wagwellies is making its second straight Best in Show appearance. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again and again: this is the best paw protection brand out there for the pups,” Pannell raves.

Pannell used Wagwear’s Wagwellies on her Giant Schnauzer a couple of years ago. Since then, her two pups have been seen rocking Wagwellies Mojave and Wagwellies Sports. “They are sturdy—good for cold or hot days, the rain, hiking and more,” she adds. “We love them so much, we’ve collected a full lineup of colors, and I’ve even started purchasing them for Bishop, my Great Dane.”

Best Water Additive for Healthy Teeth: Oxyfresh

Chewy

If you read and hear advice from vets to brush your pet’s teeth and go, “OK, but have you met my dog or cat IRL?” Oxyfresh’s water additive for healthy teeth offers an alternative. Its non-toxic oral care water solution includes zinc and other ingredients that eliminate bad breath, remove plaque buildup and protect gums without your pet even knowing (it’s tasteless and odorless).

Shop It! Best Dental Care for Dogs: Fera Pets Dental Powder

Fera Pets

Fera Pets offers another fresh way to get off the oral hygiene struggle bus, which Hawkins was on with her feisty Shih-Tzu. “He will not let me brush his teeth, and I’m too scared to do a dental cleaning at the vet because of his age,” Hawkins says.

A few months ago, Hawkins found this dental powder, and it’s been a game-changer for her pup (and her). Natural, made with kelp antioxidants and a cinch to sprinkle on food, her dog is literally “eating it right up.” Now, she can enjoy the sweet kisses, sans stench. The product also works for cats.

Shop It! Best Cat Exercise Wheel: Furdear

Chewy

Unlike the rainbow one on a Mac, this is a wheel you can get behind—because your cat 31/10 agrees. The Peloton of cat wheels, it’s durable, quiet and lightweight. It offers couch potatoes and active kitties a fun, fright-free way to play, reduce stress, burn energy, and calories and maintain a healthy weight. It’s also a breeze to set up with fasteners, so your cat can hop on it shortly after you unbox the Furdear.

Shop It! Pet Food and Treats

Arguably, there’s no taller task than choosing a pet’s diet with all of the fodder out there about raw food bowls, home-cooked meals and natural ingredients. Plus, we’re more aware than ever of our pet’s digestive strife. Your vet is your best option to bounce ideas and Internet rumors off of. But once you’ve decided on the best diet, these pet foods, treats, and feeding products will become fast favorites.

Best Raw Cat Treats: Stella & Chewy’s

Amazon

As obligate carnivores, cats were fans of protein long before it became TikTok cool. Historically, domesticated felines can be finicky. But Stella & Chewy’s has embraced the challenge, using it as inspiration for a line of free-dried, raw Dinner Morsels that serve as treats and toppers for other foods. Made using responsibly sourced animal proteins and with minimally processed ingredients, it’s something you and your cat can feel good about. Flavor profiles include chicken, beef, turkey and duck.

Shop It! Best Dry Kibble for Dogs: Purina One True Instinct

Purina

Pannell’s dogs tried more food brands than she could shake a stick at, but each of them triggered stomach issues—sometimes even after working for a few months. Struggling to find something that could consistently nourish her fur babies without having to spend a small fortune, she turned to the True Instinct Turkey & Venison formula by Purina ONE, which doesn’t have byproduct meal, preservatives or artificial flavors. It hasn’t stopped working, and Pannell hasn’t stopped buying it—or recommending it. Now, Pannell’s two dogs “run to their bowls” during feeding time, and it doesn’t cause post-meal digestive woes.

Shop It! Best Puppy Food: Purina Pro Plan

Chewy

Winner, winner chicken dinner. Purina also makes Best In Show for its puppy food formula, Purina Pro Plan. Made with carefully selected ingredients, including antioxidants, protein, calcium and omega-6s, this 100% complete and balanced puppy food has everything your pet needs to support their immune system, skin, muscular and digestive health in their first year of life.

Shop It! Best Dog Food for Sensitive Pups: Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care

Chewy

Hawkins has to be careful about what she feeds her precious senior Shih-Tzu, who has various health concerns. But she’s been able to stick to Blue Buffalo-branded foods since he was a puppy. Made with limited ingredients and real protein, Hawkins loves that “it’s sensitive enough on his little tummy and never upsets it,” Hawkins says. It comes in multiple flavors, including chicken and brown rice and salmon and potato. But Hawkins’ dog adores the turkey-and-potato recipe.

Shop It! Best Fresh Food Delivery Service: The Farmer’s Dog

The Farmer's Dog

Move over, human meal delivery kits. The Farmer’s Dog takes the winner’s circle for fresh food delivery in our dogs’ books, and they’re the most important ones as far as we’re concerned. The Farmer’s Dog brings fresh, human-grade complete and balanced meals to your doorstep. Simple, vet-developed recipes use gently cooked meat and veggies and exceed AAFCO standards. To get a personalized plan, you’ll fill out a short questionnaire about your dog’s needs and preferences. You can also pause, cancel, or reactivate your subscription at any time.

Best Dry Food Delivery Service: Sundays for Dogs

Sundays for Dogs

Dog food made with real ingredients you can actually pronounce—not synthetic nutrient blends or artificial preservatives—is the order of the day with Sundays. The subscription-based service offers air-dried, vet-approved dog foods and delivers them to you at a cadence that ensures you’ll never panic as the bag lightens. Flavors include turkey, chicken, beef and fish. To ensure seamless service, you’ll fill out a 3-minute survey about your dog’s weight, breed, activity level, and health goals, and Sundays will calculate how much food your pup needs (and the cost).

Best Dog Food Topper: Beaumont Basics

Amazon

These tasty toppers are like a doggie version of the cherry on top. Vargas’ rescue dog isn’t all that food-motivated (a rare breed, indeed), but Beaumont Basics ensures she eats what she needs. “If I feel like I need to get her to eat some more, these do the trick,” Vargas says. “I have her pick which flavor she wants that day between cheese and beef, and she loves mixing it up. And then it’s hard to get her to stay before releasing her to eat—she finds these so yummy.”

Shop It! Best Training Treats for Dogs: Blue Buffalo Bits

Blue Buffalo

Yes, dog parents, we’re giving you a second helping of Blue Buffalo. The high praise is warranted. Blue Buffalo’s soft, chewy treats offer big flavor (like chicken) to reinforce all of your pet’s “very good” behaviors. All the while, its protein-rich formulas use real meat first and include DHA to support cognitive development. At Blue Buffalo, preservatives and artificial flavors are in the dog house—not in recipes.

Shop It! Best Treats for Small Dogs: Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter and Banana Biscuits

eBay

Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter and Banana Biscuits hold holy grail status for Hawkins, her senior Shih-Tzu, and his sensitive gut — and other small-dog families around the U.S. for their reasonable size and (apparently) delicious taste. “They’re dog-bone shaped and small, so they’re perfect for giving to a small pup,” Hawkins says. “I’ve tried plenty of other biscuits where I’ve had to break them in half or quarters. These are the perfect size for my pint-sized pup.”

Shop It! Best Treats for Healthy Skin: Native Pet Supplements

Native Pets

As a pet parent to two larger-breed dogs with chicken allergies, Pannell takes extra care in choosing healthy food and treats for her dogs. “I literally trust no other brand than Native Pet to deliver that,” Pannell declares. “Both my Great Dane and Giant Schnauzer use The Daily—which has 11 benefits in one product—The Omega Oil and the Probiotic every day.” Plus, Native Pets’ supplements are clean-label and vet-developed, so they’re natural fits for healthy routines.

Shop It! Best Stick Dog Treats: Golden Rewards

Walmart

If flavor, shape or ingredients are sticking points for your pet (and you) when it comes to treats, Golden Rewards are likely hits. Made without byproducts, wheat or soy, these grain-free treats are unheralded superstars in the pet treat world. In Pannell’s home, they’re now just superstars.

“I stumbled across this brand one day while looking for pet cologne in Walmart, and I haven’t turned to anything else since,” says Pannell, whose dogs love the duck-based options. “They get so excited when I head to the cabinet to pull them out, and I’ve truly never seen them react better to any treat we’ve tried.”

Shop It! Best Calming Treats: Zesty Paws

Zesty Paws

Zesty Paws’ functional supplement blend supports pets during storms, travel, fireworks and other stressful moments. The functional blend includes suntheanine (an advanced form of L-theanine), ashwagandha, chamomile, valerian root and L-tryptophan to help your pup stay relaxed in otherwise stress-inducing situations. The peanut butter-flavored treats are best for dogs with normal stress, nervousness and hyperactivity.

Shop It! Best Treat Dispensers: Fable Pets

Chewy

“Don’t play with your food” is not a rule that applies to dogs. Fable Pets has turned meal and treat time into fun time. Its puzzle toy boasts a weighted-base design, creating irregular motion that supercharges your dog’s prey instinct and provides necessary physical and mental stimulation. You can put 1.5 cups of kibble, spread peanut butter on the top fins, and let your dog go to town while you run an errand, hop on a Zoom call, and take a shower with the bathroom door closed. The silicone material makes the game quieter.

Shop It! Best Automatic Cat Feeder: Petlibro Smart Feeder

Petilbro

If your cat prefers wet food—as Galla’s does—consider the Petlibro Polar Smart Wet Food Feeder a “game-changer.” It keeps up to three meals fresh for three days, with a cooling pause that ensures your pet gets their food at the ideal temperature. “I love that it keeps meals chilled until it’s time to eat, so I don’t have to worry about wet food sitting out for hours while I’m at work or running errands,” Galla says. And it doesn’t add chores to her list because the stainless-steel bowl is dishwasher-safe.

Shop It! Best Pet Water Bowl: Slopper Stopper

Amazon

Just the name is appetizing to dog parents with sloppy sippers, like PetHelpful writer Kathryn Bell’s Goldendoodle. The Slopper Stopper is a product that lives up to its name, lowering water spills and trails by up to 85%. You can use it in the car and at home, and it’s designed for dogs weighing in at 21 to 50 lbs. “The bowl holds up to a gallon of water, which is more than enough for my pup between refills,” Bell adds. “Best of all, I’m no longer stepping into puddles every time I walk through the kitchen. My floors—and socks—stay dry, my dog stays hydrated, and it’s truly been a win-win for both of us.”

Shop It! Best Treat to Keep Pups Occupied: Woof Pupsicle 

Woof

If you need a minute (or 30 or more) of peace, the Woof Pupsicle offers it—and peace of mind. Made with only 10 high-quality ingredients, such as peanut butter and beef tallow, the Pupsicles are clean, mess-free, and delicious. Don’t let the name fool you either—there’s no freezer required. It’s ready to eat when your pet is. Bonus: One Parade staffer said it “totally saved” her during her Aussiedoodle’s teething years.

Shop It! Pet Parent Solutions

Pet parenthood is a whirlwind of fun and gratifying beyond words. But you might also feel like a juggler in the center ring of a circus, making vet appointments, playing chauffeur, doing laundry, and keeping tabs on a mammal with a mind of their own. These travel systems, trackers, and laundry aids ensure you don’t drop a single ball.

Best Detergent for Pets: Active Pet Laundry Detergent

Amazon

ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent Odor Remover is a bio-based enzyme cleaner to go after and eliminate slobber, dirt, and dog and stubbornly smelly cat pee from your laundry. It’s worked like a charm in the Vargas household, where her cat regularly pees outside the litter box, and her rescue pup pees for attention. Even though her pets are—mercifully–having fewer accidents these days, she still uses it in every pet load.

“It just keeps everything fresh, and there are no lingering odors from my dog’s feet, her slobber or anything,” Vargas says. “Truly, a must-have in my household at all times.”

Shop It! Best Pet Tracker System: Tractive

Tractive

Tractive does so much more than provide live GPS tracking, virtual fences and escape alerts about your little Houdini (though it does both of those, too). It’s a data-driven parent’s dream. Tractive sends weekly well-being reports on your dog’s activity and sleep. You can also receive alerts about changes in your pet’s vitals, activity and sleep, which can be an early sign of pain. It also boasts a 2-week battery life. The Tractive is for dogs who are over 9 lbs.

Shop It! Best GPS Collar: Halo Collar

Halo

The Halo Collar 5 is heaven-sent for pet parents who want to give their dogs freedom without sacrificing the knowledge their pup is a-OK. Pet parents have the power to set wireless GPS fences at home, on the road and even while off the grid. Its satellite data is refined by ground stations, giving pet parents 24/7/365 peace of mind. (The all-day battery life is a major plus, too.)

Shop It! Best Leash & Collar Combo: Ruff Wear

Ruff Wear

Ruff Wear’s extensive library of collars and leashes was designed for outdoor adventure, with both fashion and practicality in mind. Collars include waterproof or stink-proof ones, as well as others that are perfect for everyday wear. Durable leashes complement collars, including slip leads for a stroll around the block and hitch leashes that allow for secure control while climbing. Numerous prints and solid-color options let your dog make a stylish statement—products sold separately.

Shop It! Best Pet Travel System: Tavo System

Tavo

Tavo’s 3-in-1 Pet Protection System triples as a cozy carrier bed, pet stroller and safety-tested car seat. It, frankly, rivals what you find on the market for human infants. “The TAVO travel system is as good as it gets,” Hawkins raves. “With a small dog, you have to be sure they’re restrained in the car, and this car seat keeps him safe, cozy and happy, even on long rides.”

Shop It! Best Pet Carrier: SturdiBag

Sturdi

Sturdy is what you need when traveling with a beloved pet, and that’s what SturdiBag provides. Perfect for small cats and dogs, the airline-compliant pet carrier keeps dogs safe, secure and cozy until you reach your destination. Flexible rods can fit tighter aircraft seat situations, and a soft, padded interior will have your pet feeling like they’re flying first-class (even if you’re in coach).

Shop It! Best Dog Harness: Didog Harness

Amazon

Santillan has two Didog harnesses for her 20-pound dog and says it’s the closest thing to “no-pull” on the block, courtesy of a piece that sits in the low-chest area. She slips it over her pup’s head, and it snows on one side. Removal is so easy that she does it one-handed. “I would recommend this harness for small dogs, with the simple design for putting it on and taking it off, and the soft material that sits on the dog’s body,” Santillan says.

Shop It!

Gilmore Girls is more than just a show; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The witty banter, the pop culture references, the cozy small-town charm of Stars Hollow… it has captivated fans for over two decades. Now, the beloved series has been given the Fisher-Price Little People treatment.

To commemorate the series, Fisher-Price has created an adorable Little People Collector set featuring Rory Gilmore, Lorelai Gilmore, Emily Gilmore, and Luke Danes. Previous television/movie themed Little People Collector sets include The Devil Wears Prada 2, Harry Potter, Wednesday, Ted Lasso, The Goonies, JAWS, Supernatural and The Karate Kid. The limited-edition set is available on Amazon for $26.99. Each figure stands at over 2.5 inches tall and the four Little People characters come in a window box display that mirrors Stars Hollow as the backdrop.

The dramedy series followed Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham), a coffee-addicted single more and her smart teenage daught, Rory (Alexis Bledel). The two lived in the quaint and cozy town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut and focused on their tight-knit friendships, family and school dramas and the romance both mother and daughter were experiencing.

Related: ‘Gilmore Girls’ Baby Names Are Surging, but One Is a Clear Favorite With Parents

The Little People in the Gilmore Girls set include:

• Rory Gilmore — The sweetest, most bookish girl in Stars Hollow
• Lorelai Gilmore — Rory’s coffee-obsessed, quick-witted, and endlessly fun mom
• Emily Gilmore — The formidable head of the Gilmore family — complicated, iconic, and unforgettable
• Luke Danes — Owner of Luke’s Diner, keeper of the coffee, and secretly in love with Lorelai

Related: Lauren Graham Is Working on a Brand-New ‘Gilmore Girls’ Project, but Fans Are Saying One Thing

All seven seasons of Gilmore Girls is available on DVD and Blu-ray and is also available to rent on iTunes, Google Play and similar platforms. You can also stream it on Hulu. A limited 4-part series of Gilmore Girls called Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life that takes place about 10 years after the events of the seventh season is available on Netflix.

Next, The Iconic ‘Gilmore Girls’ House Just Hit the Market at a Staggering Price

More than two decades after its release, 311 is looking back at Don’t Tread on Me, the 2005 album the rock band recorded in Los Angeles with producer and engineer Ron Saint Germain.

The band marked the album’s 21st anniversary with a video shared on Instagram. In the caption, 311 wrote: “21 year of ‘Don’t Tread On Me.’ Recorded in LA at the Hive with Ron Saint Germain, this album still holds a lot of memories for us.”

In the video, vocalist and guitarist Nick Hexum and bassist Aaron “P-Nut” Wills talked about what comes to mind when they think about the album. For Hexum, one memory stood out right away.

had Sexton, S.A. Martinez, Nick Hexum, Tim Mahoney and P-Nut from 311 on August 13, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.

Photo by Alison Buck/WireImage

“I think of it being the last time we worked with Ron Saint German,” Hexum said.

P-Nut remembered one song in particular: “Always an Excuse When You Need One,” which appears on the album as “There’s Always an Excuse.”

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He explained that the track was the second of what the band called its “epics,” songs built around several musical movements. P-Nut connected that idea to his interest in The Beatles and their song “Happiness Is a Warm Gun.”

He recalled being interested in the way different song ideas could be joined together and said 311 used a similar approach on “Always an Excuse When You Need One.”

“So having different movements where it starts and then maybe it’s like, you know, three songs in one or more and always with the big soaring Mahoney solo. So I’m really proud of that one,” P-Nut said.

Released on Aug. 16, 2005, Don’t Tread on Me was 311’s eighth studio album. The record was the third 311 album recorded at The Hive, the band’s recording studio in North Hollywood, California.

Ron Saint Germain served as producer, engineer and mixer on the album. 311 also received a producer credit, while Giff Tripp worked as assistant engineer and David Kahne handled additional pre-production.

The album arrived during an important period in 311’s long career. The band had already built a large following through releases such as 311, Transistor, Soundsystem and From Chaos.

Don’t Tread on Me made a strong debut, entering the Billboard 200 at No. 5 after selling 91,000 copies during its first week.

The title track was released to radio before the album and became one of its best-known songs. “Don’t Tread on Me” reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart and No. 1 on the R&R Panel Alternative chart.

The album also included “Speak Easy” and “Frolic Room,” which were released as later singles. Other songs on the 11-track standard album included “Thank Your Lucky Stars,” “Solar Flare,” “Waiting,” “Long for the Flowers,” “Getting Through to Her,” “Whiskey & Wine,” “It’s Getting OK Now” and “There’s Always an Excuse.”

The album also produced material that was later released outside the original record. “Into the Flame” and “Stealing My Girl” appeared on the Archive compilation, while “Stealing My Girl” was later reworked into “The Call” for 2014’s Stereolithic.

Hexum also remembered another part of the album’s history: how often its songs were performed live.

“We didn’t play those songs that much. And that kind of started our like kind of backlog of writing songs and putting them on albums and then not really playing them live. But you know that leaves the room open for special shows like 311 Day,” he said.

That history makes 311 Day an important part of the band’s relationship with its deeper catalog.

The annual event gives 311 room to perform songs that may not regularly appear in its standard concert sets. The band has used 311 Day to play fan favorites, rarities, older material and songs that can be difficult to fit into normal shows.

This year, 311 Day took place March 7-8 at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas. The band performed 80 songs across four sets during the two-night celebration, according to Rock Cellar.

Among the songs performed was “Getting Through to Her,” another track from Don’t Tread on Me. Doug “S.A.” Martinez gave the song a rare acoustic solo performance, marking his first performance with a guitar with 311.

311’s lineup has remained together for years, with Hexum, P-Nut, drummer Chad Sexton, guitarist Tim Mahoney and Martinez continuing as the band’s core members.

Related: 1991 Nirvana Song, Never a No. 1 Hit on Billboard, Ranked Among ‘Best Rock Songs’ of All Time

Chipotle is giving away more than $1 million in free food starting Tuesday, Aug. 18!

The chain is bringing back its Chipotle IQ game, giving fans the chance to win free food, Chipotle Rewards points, and other prizes.

Here’s everything to know about the promotion and how to play before the offer ends.

How to get free food from Chipotle

Starting Aug. 18, Chipotle will give away more than $1 million in prizes through the Chipotle IQ game, including buy-one-get-one entrée codes, free Cilantro Lime Sauce, free Queso Blanco, Build Your Own Family Meals, exclusive card games, and more.

The game kicks off at 9 a.m. ET on Aug. 18. Each hour, the first 8,000 players to answer five questions correctly will win a prize. Chipotle is giving away 5,000 buy-one-get-one entrée offers, 1,500 free Cilantro Lime Sauce offers, and 1,500 free Queso Blanco offers every hour.

Players who score a perfect 5 out of 5 could also be randomly selected to receive one of 53 Silver Tickets, each featuring a bonus question. Answer it correctly, and you could win free Chipotle burritos for a year!

And even if you don’t win free food, you can still score Chipotle Rewards points. The chain is giving away 5 million points each day during the promotion.

RELATED: Insomnia Cookies Is Giving Away Free Cookies to College Students—Here’s How to Claim Yours

More Chipotle news

Over the past few months, Chipotle has been testing a brand-new menu item at select locations in California: crispy chicken.

The new protein features crispy breaded chicken with a crunchy coating and juicy interior and can be added to burritos, tacos, salads or bowls.

According to a Chipotle advertisement, the crispy chicken is also free of preservatives, gluten or anything artificial.

For now, fans will have to wait and see whether the new crispy chicken expands to more Chipotle locations.

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Sweater weather is on its way, and Pepperidge Farm is already dressing for the occasion.

The brand just rolled out its Autumn Exclusive Collection, and the standout is a brand-new Chessmen Spiced Orange Cranberry cookie, Bake Magazine reported on Friday, August 14. If a cup of tea and a Chessmen or two is your idea of a cozy afternoon, this new flavor was made for you.

What Does the New Chessmen Cookie Taste Like?

The base is the Chessmen cookie you’ve always loved, buttery, crisp and stamped with those charming little chess pieces. This time, it’s dressed for fall. Every bite carries toasty cinnamon, a bright note of orange and the cozy tang of cranberry, with flecks of fruit worked into the shortbread.

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The effect lands somewhere close to mulled wine, which feels just right for a crisp afternoon with a hot mug of cider or tea. It’s a little more grown-up than the usual seasonal cookie, and that’s part of the charm.

Each serving is three cookies, and a bag holds seven servings. One serving comes in at 120 calories, with 4 grams of fat, 19 grams of carbohydrates and 6 grams of sugar. Notably, the label lists zero added sugars, so the sweetness comes from the ingredients themselves.

Are Any Pumpkin Favorites Coming Back? View this post on Instagram

If pumpkin’s absence has you worried, don’t be. Two fan favorites are returning this year alongside the new Chessmen flavor: Milano Pumpkin Spice and Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies. Together, the three make up this year’s Autumn Exclusive Collection, giving shoppers a full spread of options as the season shifts.

Where Can You Buy the New Fall Cookies?

All three flavors start reaching shelves this month at Kroger, Target, and Walmart, with a suggested price of $5.89 (though price and availability may vary by location). 

Cookie season may belong to the winter holidays, but this fall is shaping up to be just as sweet. However you like your cookies, there’s plenty in store.

Barbara Eden is best known for her role on I Dream of Jeannie, but the actress also played Elvis Presley’s love interest in the 1960 movie Flaming Star. Off-camera, she found herself giving the King of Rock ‘n Roll relationship advice.

In an August 2026 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Eden, 94, revealed that Presley was fascinated by her then-marriage to Michael Ansara, the Broken Arrow star who would go on to play Commander Kang in Star Trek: The Original Series.  Eden and Ansara had been married for two years.

Eden recalled that Presley often questioned her about her relationship.

“He asked me a lot about my marriage with Michael and how we did it, being in the industry, both of us,” Eden shared.

“I said, ‘Look, this is our job. This is how we make a living … It is a job, acting,’” she continued. “And you work on it. I don’t know how many years or how many people do this, but you learn to do things you probably never do in real life.”

Bettmann / Getty Images

Eden previously recalled that Presley told her he was interested in a young woman he had met in Germany and was worried about bringing her to the United States. The “Hound Dog” singer asked Eden how her marriage survived in Hollywood.

“I told him, ‘This is our work,’” Eden recalled to Fox News Digital. “’He goes on location, I go on location. But we’re always together. This is how we make money, but we are a team. And as long as the two of you are a team, it will work out.’ But Elvis was worried.”

During a 2022 panel discussion, Eden also gave details about the conversation. According to People magazine, she recalled that Presley told her, “I met this girl in Germany” and that he wasn’t sure what to do because she was “awfully young.”

Eden clarified that she had no idea how young the girl, Priscilla Beaulieu, was at the time but that she later met her and liked her.

In 1967, Presley, 32, married Priscilla, then 21, and they welcomed their only child, Lisa Marie, the following year.

In the new interview, Eden also remembered Presley fondly as a professional, praising his “wonderful” work ethic and manners on set.

“He was doing his job, as was I, but he did it well,” Eden told EW. “He played the part beautifully, always there on time [on] the set …I just loved him. He was a really, really good actor.”

Related: Barbara Eden Reveals Why She Stayed Away From Desi Arnaz on ‘I Love Lucy’

Disney Chief Creative Officer Jared Bush broke the news to a packed arena at the company’s D23 Expo, confirming that Zootopia 3 is officially underway. Bush shared the stage with veteran cast member Ginnifer Goodwin, who voices rabbit officer Judy Hopps, to deliver the update directly to fans.

The biggest shift for the new installment: feathers. For the first time since the franchise debuted in 2016, birds will inhabit the sprawling city, breaking the series’ long-standing focus on mammals and reptiles.

Disney did not provide a release window, production timeline, or details on who will direct the third entry. The decision to keep the property moving forward follows a massive commercial track record. The 2016 original grossed over $1 billion globally and took home the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. The studio followed that up with Zootopia 2, expanding the narrative map and pulling in major box office returns of its own.

During the presentation, Bush pointed to the scale of the world built over the last decade, emphasizing that earlier stories only scratched the surface of what exists beyond the original downtown districts like Tundratown and Sahara Square. “We’ve actually only seen one city on one continent on one planet,” Bush told the D23 audience. “There’s quite a lot more stories to tell.” Opening the skies to avian characters adds an entirely new logistical layer to the franchise’s urban design, which previously solved transit and housing challenges strictly for ground-dwelling creatures of varying sizes.

Goodwin’s character, Hopps, alongside Jason Bateman’s con-artist-turned-cop Nick Wilde, has anchored the series through two feature films, a Disney+ short-form spinoff series, and a dedicated theme park land at Shanghai Disneyland.

The announcement comes as Disney leans hard into proven animated brands across its theatrical pipeline. Alongside original projects in development, the company has lined up sequels across both Walt Disney Animation and Pixar, relying on recognizable IP to drive post-pandemic theatrical turnstiles.

Further casting announcements, plot details, and release dates will be disclosed as production gets underway at the Burbank studio.

Few performers defined the early 1970s pop radio landscape quite like David Cassidy.

The star of television’s The Partridge Family became one of the biggest teen idols in pop culture history. While simultaneously churning out songs to support the ABC series, Cassidy also worked as a solo artist, recording his own music.

Fifty-five years after his official Billboard Hot 100 debut with “Cherish,” the track celebrates a milestone anniversary as a time capsule hit of the era. Originally recorded when Cassidy was just 21 years old and released in late 1971, the song captured the hearts of millions and solidified his place as a pop culture icon.

To help Cassidy step into the spotlight outside of his television persona, The Partridge Family producer Wes Farrell spearheaded Cherish as a dedicated Cassidy solo song. According to Session Days, Farrell used the same studio musicians and engineering crew who recorded the music for the television series to help the entertainer with his debut LP.

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The idea behind the LP was to show what Cassidy could do as an artist outside of The Partridge Family. The song and album of the same name, Cherish, were intended to distance him from the series.

“Cherish” was not written expressly for Cassidy. It was penned by Terry Kirkman and first recorded by The Association.

It was a huge hit for the band, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1966, staying at the top for three weeks. Cassidy’s version was also a Top 10 hit, peaking at No. 9 on Christmas Day, 1971.

RELATED: This ’70s Teen Idol Was Told He Was ‘Insane’ After Baring All On the Cover of Rolling Stone

Cassidy was considered the perfect pop star. His feathered hair and youthful appearance made him appear non-threatening to the teenage girls who bought his records and attended his concerts.

According to Billboard, during the three-and-one-half-year time period The Partridge Family was on television, from 1971 through 1974, 10 albums featuring the fictional family band were released. Additionally, Cassidy released five solo albums during that time.

In an interview with Classic Bands, Cassidy said his success as a teen idol was a far cry from who he was as a person. Off stage, he struggled to reconcile the massive public perception of his character with the grounded, serious musician he actually wanted to be.

RELATED: ’70s Superstar Says Brother Was ‘Conflicted’ When He Took Over Teen Idol Spotlight

He explained, “Long before I was on television playing this character and doing music that was designed for that show. I’d seen Hendrix five times. I’d seen B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Albert King, Muddy Waters, and all kinds of rock and heavy blues influences.”

Cassidy continued, “So, I was a guy that had a vastly different musical taste than just the stuff that I was performing. I learned from some of the greatest musicians in the world that I got to work with about songwriting, performance, playing. You know, I learned so much from them, but I still had my own musical taste.”

David Cassidy continued to perform and record throughout his career, long after his teen idol image faded. He also starred on Broadway with his brother, Shaun Cassidy, in the musical Blood Brothers and is the father of Katie and Beau Cassidy. He died in 2017 at the age of 67.

Related: 1967 Blue-Eyed Soul Hit Became a Solo Smash for a Teen Idol 5 Years Later

Hayden Panettiere has died at 36, leaving her family to confront another devastating loss just three years after the sudden death of her younger brother, Jansen.

Panettiere, beloved for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, died Sunday, Aug. 16. Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed the news in a statement provided to ABC News. More details began emerging hours after news of Panettiere’s death broke.

Police Issue First Statement on Hayden Panettiere’s Death

The Independent confirmed on Monday, August 17, that Police in Greenville, South Carolina, said officers responded to a report of an “unresponsive female” at around 1:50 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 16. Officers and emergency medical crews were called to the scene after an acquaintance of the actress made the 911 call, NBC News reported.

Medical personnel attempted to assist the woman, who was later identified as Panettiere, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. 

“Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene,” police said in a statement, obtained by Independent.

Authorities said the case remains under investigation, though the preliminary findings showed no indication of foul play or suspicious circumstances.

TMZ had earlier reported that Panettiere and her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, traveled from Los Angeles to the South on Saturday.

What Did Hayden Panettiere’s Family Reveal in Their First Statement?

Her father, Skip, confirmed her death while asking for privacy as they process the loss.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” he shared with ABC News on Sunday.

“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,” the statement continued.

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For the Panettiere family, the news comes after another tragedy that profoundly changed Hayden’s life. Her only sibling, Jansen Panettiere, died unexpectedly in February 2023 at 28. His family later said his death was caused by aortic valve complications and an undiagnosed enlarged heart.

Hayden never hid how deeply the loss affected her. “When I lost him, I felt like I lost half of my soul… I will always be heartbroken about [him], I will never be able to get over it. No matter how many years go by, I will never get over his loss,” she told People in 2024.

Panettiere began acting as a child before her breakout role as Claire Bennet on Heroes. She later earned acclaim as Juliette Barnes on Nashville and appeared in films including Remember the Titans, Scream 4 and Scream VI.

She is survived by her daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, and her parents. In recent months, Panettiere had returned to the public eye while promoting her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, which explored fame, motherhood, addiction and the grief she carried after Jansen’s death.

No cause of death has been announced.

Hayden Panettiere’s career included some major movie and television roles, but she also lent her voice to one of gaming’s most beloved characters.

The actress voiced Kairi in the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise, a role that introduced her to a massive audience beyond her work on shows including Heroes and Nashville.

Panettiere first voiced Kairi in the original 2002 video game Kingdom Hearts. The character is one of the series’ central figures and a close friend of protagonists Sora and Riku.

Kairi is also one of the seven Princesses of Heart, a group of characters whose hearts are free of darkness. Throughout the series, she becomes increasingly important to the story and eventually trains to become a Keyblade wielder herself.

Panettiere returned to voice Kairi in several installments of the franchise, including 2005’s Kingdom Hearts II and 2019’s Kingdom Hearts III. She also provided Kairi’s voice for Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep.

The role came relatively early in Panettiere’s career. She was already a working actress as a child, appearing in commercials and television shows before landing her breakout role as Claire Bennet on NBC’s Heroes in 2006.

Her voice-acting credits extended beyond Kingdom Hearts. Panettiere voiced Dot, the young ant princess, in Pixar’s 1998 animated film A Bug’s Life. She also voiced characters in several other animated projects.

For many Kingdom Hearts fans, however, Panettiere’s performance as Kairi remains one of the most recognizable parts of her connection to the franchise.

Panettiere died at age 36 on Aug. 17, 2026. Her death was confirmed by her family, who asked for privacy as they mourned her.

RELATED: Hayden Panettiere Said Her Milo Ventimiglia Split Came ‘Out of Left Field’

Former Slipknot member Sid Wilson officially marked the end of an era after making a major social media update.

The iconic turntablist and keyboardist appeared to address his recent exit, making it clear that he is no longer associated with the band after nearly three decades. 

Following the news surrounding the lineup, Wilson changed his Instagram bio from “@slipknot gang since 1997” to “@slipknot 1997-2026.”

Sid Wilson has updated his Instagram profile seemingly confirming he is no longer in Slipknot.

“Slipknot 1997-2026” pic.twitter.com/h3IhxLroh1

— State of the Scene (@SOTSPodcast) August 16, 2026

The 49-year-old musician was part of the classic nine-member lineup of Slipknot with Joey Jordison on drums, Paul Gray on bass, Chris Fehn and Shawn “Clown” Crahan on custom percussion, James “Jim” Root on Guitar, Craig “133” Jones on samples/media, Mick Thomson on guitar and Corey Taylor on lead vocals.

The band saw massive success after releasing its self-titled debut in the late ’90s, followed by the peak of its commercial success in the 2000s.

Unfortunately, the band underwent several lineup adjustments, with Wilson’s departure marking the band’s latest change.

Earlier this month, rumors began circulating that the longtime Slipknot member had been removed from the band.

Sid Wilson attends the 68th GRAMMY Awards

Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

In an exclusive report by TMZ, a source claimed that the musician was “permanently kicked out of Slipknot,” but the reason that led to his departure was unclear.

However, the band confirmed the news through an Instagram post with Knotfest, saying, “Effective immediately, Slipknot will no longer be associated with Sid Wilson,” and wishing him “the best in his future endeavors.”

He was the latest longtime member to leave the band, with Chris Fehn in 2019, Craig Jones and Jay Weinberg in 2023.

Two of the members passed away. Joey Jordison died in his sleep in 2021, while Paul Gray died in 2010 due to an “accidental drug overdose.”

The devastating news surrounding Wilson’s departure from Slipknot came weeks after the musician and his fiancée, Kelly Osbourne, the daughter of the late Ozzy Osbourne, called off their engagement in March 2026.

The reality star also acknowledged that her ex-fiancé is dealing with personal issues.

“She just doesn’t want the drama in her life right now,” the source told People. “Sid has a lot he needs to work through on his own.”

Wilson and Osbourne had been dating since 2022 and share a son named Sidney.

Related: ’90s Metal Icon Reveals Frightening Health Condition After Tour

Taking care of a lawn isn’t as simple as it seems. There are endless factors to consider: Is a sprinkler system worth it? How often should you mow? When’s the best time of day to mow? Are you accidentally wasting water?

With so many rules regarding proper lawn care, it’s no wonder homeowners tend to make one particular mistake when watering their lawns in the summer—especially in August, as temperatures peak.

To find out the biggest mistake people make when watering their lawns in August, we consulted with two lawn experts: John Ballard, Owner and Founder of That Yucca Stuff, an eco-friendly soil product and Jacob Romkee, Owner of Vintage Lawn Service and Thumbtack Pro Advisory Board member.

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Both Ballard and Romkee agree that the same mistake is the most common one they see homeowners making when it comes to watering their lawns—and they have some advice on how to avoid making this mistake.

We also spoke with Siobhan Shaw, Founder and Editor of The Gardening Network and Founder of Growing To Give, who shared another major mistake home gardeners make when mowing their lawns in late summer.

Keep reading to learn more!

Related: 8 Flowers You Should Plant Right Now for Gorgeous Fall Color

The Biggest August Lawn-Watering Mistake: Watering Too Often

When taking care of their lawns in August, the biggest mistake people make is overwatering their lawns.

“One of the most common errors is actually over-watering your lawn in the summer just because it looks dry!” Ballard tells Parade.

Why Is Overwatering Your Lawn Bad?

“Pouring more water on a dry or dead looking lawn can actually exacerbate the situation and waste both water and money,” Ballard explains.

“The biggest mistake people make when watering their lawn is watering too shallow, too often,” adds Romkee. “Many people water for 5–10 minutes every single day, but that keeps moisture near the surface instead of reaching deeper into the soil.”

Ippei Naoi / Getty Images

How Often Should You Water Your Lawn in August?

Rather than watering your lawn for a few minutes every day, Romkee says “it’s better to water two to three times per week for about 20–30 minutes.”

If you water your lawn on this schedule, the water “sinks deeper into the soil and encourages longer, thicker, stronger roots, for a healthier lawn.”

Ballard agrees—he recommends that homeowners water their lawns every other day, for about 10 to 15 minutes in each zone.

“Water just enough to keep the grass alive and make the roots ‘stretch’ for the water below in the soil,” he explains. “This promotes better root structure and helps in drought situations while conserving water and costs.”

Related: Why Your Pumpkin Plant Has Flowers but No Pumpkins

3 Other August Lawn-Care Mistakes Experts Say to Avoid 1. Unnecessary mowing

“In August, the hottest month across the U.S., it’s best to let the grass grow,” Shaw tells Parade. This is especially pertinent in regions experiencing droughts and extreme heat.

“If you mow the lawn it will scald, wither and look like it will never grow again,” she explains. “Leaving [your grass] long allows it to protect itself from the burning sun during the day.”

If you still want to mow your lawn, Ballard recommends “raising the mower blade up an inch or two. This will “give the grass a chance to extend its root system down and grow up and out.”

That said, if you did over-mow your lawn amidst high temperatures, not to worry—Shaw says lawns typically bounce back once the weather cools down in early fall.

2. Watering your lawn late at night

According to Romkee, watering your lawn between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. “can create the kind of damp conditions that encourage fungal growth and other lawn issues.” Curious for the best time to water your lawn? You’ll find that below!

3. Watering every area for an equal amount of time

“Not all areas of a lawn need the same amount of water,” says Romkee. “Shady spots typically need much less water than areas in direct sun, so treating them equally can lead to overwatering in some places and underwatering in others.”

Elena Medoks / Getty Images

3 Expert Tips for Watering Your Lawn in Hot Weather 1. Water your lawn early in the morning

Ballard says the best time to water your lawn is “in the early morning hours.”

Specifically, Romkee, says you should water your lawn between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m.

“This is early enough to avoid prolonged overnight moisture that can cause lawn issues, while still being close enough to daytime to keep the grass hydrated,” Romkee explains.

2. Check your irrigation system

If you ever notice brown spots on your lawn, Romkee recommends checking to make sure your irrigation system is working properly. This is as simple as “turning on the sprinklers and watching them run.”

He adds that you should “inspect the system at least once a month, because even one broken sprinkler head can affect an entire zone.”

Ballard also recommends regularly checking and cleaning your sprinkler system’s water heads and nozzles for efficiency. If you see “overly damp spots around the water heads” or water leaking from the heads, you should repair them or replace them with water-efficient nozzles.

3. Attend to your lawn

“Make sure your lawn is getting the other care it needs for water to properly penetrate the soil,” Romkee advises. That means you should be regularly fertilizing your lawn (four to six times a year) and staying on top of dethatching, pH correction and aeration.

“Without these steps, water may run off the lawn and into the gutter instead of soaking into the soil where it can actually help,” Romkee adds. “Water alone will only do so much if the lawn is not also fertilized regularly. Fertilizing about four to six times a year helps support the lawn’s overall health, allowing the water you apply to have a more meaningful impact.”

Up Next:

Related: The 5 Perennials You Should Stop Deadheading in Late Summer, According to a Gardener

Sources:

• John Ballard, Owner and Founder of That Yucca Stuff
• Jacob Romkee, Owner of Vintage Lawn Service and Thumbtack Pro Advisory Board member
• Siobhan Shaw, Founder and Editor of The Gardening Network and Co-Founder of the nonprofit Growing To Give

There are four birth dates that read people instantly, picking up on what’s really going on beneath the surface before anyone says a word.

Most people need time to figure out who someone really is — weeks of conversations, a few inconsistencies noticed, maybe a mutual friend’s warning. According to numerologists and astrologers, the following four birth dates skip all of that. Their vibe check or energy read is immediate, and it rarely needs revising later.

Which Birth Dates Read People Instantly?

Check your birth date. Disregard birth months.

Born on the 3rd

People born on the 3rd are ruled by the expressive, communicative energy of the number 3. Their gift isn’t just talking — it’s listening closely enough to catch what’s underneath the words. Within a single conversation, they’ve usually already clocked someone’s tone, hesitations, and what they’re actually trying to say versus what they’re saying out loud. It’s not that they’re trying to analyze anyone; it’s simply how their mind works, picking up on rhythm and inflection the way a musician hears a note out of tune. By the time most people are still forming a first impression, this birth date has already moved three steps ahead, quietly filing away details that will make perfect sense later.

MORE: People Born in These 3 Months Are Natural Early Birds

Born on the 5th

Ruled by Mercury, the planet of the mind and communication, those born on the 5th process information quickly. Their minds move fast enough to catch small inconsistencies most people miss entirely — a pause that lasted half a second too long, a story that shifted slightly the second time it was told. Those born on the 5th thrive on variety and stimulation, which means they’ve likely encountered virtually every type of personality already, giving them a mental library to compare against. Nothing about a new person catches them completely off guard, because some version of that energy has likely crossed their path before.

Born on the 11th

Governed by the Moon and the master number 11, this birth date operates on pure intuition. They don’t need someone to explain themselves; they simply feel the energy behind what’s being said. Their discernment stems less from analysis and more from an instinctive, almost immediate sense of whether something is true. Where other people rely on logic to piece together a read on someone, those born on the 11th of any month trust a gut feeling that rarely steers them wrong. They may not always be able to explain exactly how they know — they just do, and more often than not, time proves them right.

READ: Your Perfect Pet, Based on Your Birth Date

Born on the 16th

Individuals born on the 16th carry a quiet, sonar-like awareness that picks up on shifts in mood before anyone else in the room notices. Ruled by the Moon’s introspective influence, they read body language, tone, and unspoken tension with startling accuracy. All often before the person being read has even fully processed their own feelings. This birth date has a rare talent for sensing what’s wrong before a single word is said about it, whether that’s tension at a dinner table or a friend’s quiet distress hiding behind a forced smile. Their perception isn’t loud or announced. Rather, it simply informs how carefully and gently they move through every interaction.

UP NEXT:

It might still feel like the heart of summer outside, but if you live for spooky season, it is officially time to start planning your fall thrill trips. Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has unveiled its most ambitious Halloween lineup in company history, transforming its parks across North America with a record-breaking 448 seasonal experiences.

For theme park fans and horror buffs alike, the headline news is an unprecedented roster of 11 brand-new haunted mazes inspired by some of the most iconic powerhouses in cinema and gaming.

Leading the charge of new nightmares is JASON: Blood Reign, which invites brave guests to step into the dark woods of Camp Crystal Lake and retrace the blood-soaked origins of horror’s most feared slasher. Developed in partnership with Horror, Inc.’s Jason Universe, the maze will debut across SCarowinds, Kings Island, and Six Flags Great Adventure.

Related: Six Flags Announces a Spooky New Spring Surprise for 2026

If psychological suspense is more your speed, Final Destination: Death’s Playground is coming to Six Flags Great Adventure and Magic Mountain, turning death itself into the antagonist through premonitions and catastrophic chain reactions.

Meanwhile, fans of classic found-footage chills can navigate near-total darkness, ritual sites, and the infamous Rustin Parr house in Blair Witch: No Signal at Six Flags Great America and Dorney Park. Gamers can dive headfirst into Blizzard Entertainment’s dark gothic universe with DIABLO: The Infernal Path at Kings Dominion and Cedar Point, coming face-to-face with Lilith and Mephisto in cursed cathedrals.

These new additions join a powerhouse lineup of returning fan-favorites that have drawn massive crowds over recent seasons. Guests can once again step into the paranormal investigative world of The Conjuring Universe, outwit John Kramer’s diabolical contraptions in SAW: Legacy of Terror, evade masked predators in The Strangers: No Escape, follow the twisted candy trail of Trick ‘r Treat, and fight through a quarantine-sealed Las Vegas in Army of the Dead.

Related: Travis Kelce Joins Six Flags in Major Business Move

Beyond the maze walls, the atmosphere completely takes over the parks after dark. Midways will be transformed by nearly 200 themed scare zones packed with roaming monsters, immersive soundscapes, and dense fog, while the company’s world-class roller coasters take on a whole new, heart-pounding dimension under the night sky.

Six Flags

If you’re visiting with younger kids or prefer treats over terror, the parks are keeping daytime hours entirely lighthearted and family-friendly. Before sunset, guests of all ages can enjoy 141 seasonal daytime events, from trick-or-treat trails and pumpkin activities during Kids Boo Fest, Tricks and Treats, and Camp Spooky, to festive food and seasonal brews at Oktoberfest.

For vacationers planning their visits, daytime activities, live entertainment, and outdoor scare zones are included with regular park admission, while entry into the indoor haunted mazes requires an add-on Haunted Attractions Pass. If you are looking to get the best value, Six Flags is currently offering its lowest prices on 2027 season passes through September 7, 2026, which grant admission for the rest of this year’s Halloween and holiday events all the way through next season.

Related: Six Flags Is Turning ‘Final Destination’ Into a Maze—With a Gruesome Twist

In the wake of actress Hayden Panettiere’s death at age 36, fans and observers have revisited past interviews where the Heroes and Nashville star detailed the abrupt loss of major endorsement deals after going public with her battle with postpartum depression.

Panettiere, who died Sunday, became a familiar face to television audiences across the 2000s, both through network dramas and as the long-running brand ambassador for skincare giant Neutrogena. Her advertisements, anchored by the brand’s splash-face imagery, ran heavily during the peak of her early fame.

Following the 2014 birth of her daughter, Kaya, Panettiere experienced severe postpartum depression and entered treatment facilities in 2015 and 2016. During that era, high-profile figures in Hollywood rarely spoke publicly about clinical maternal health struggles. In subsequent reflections on her career, Panettiere stated that her openness resulted in immediate professional fallout, with corporate partners, including Neutrogena, choosing to sever ties rather than maintain an endorsement relationship with someone actively addressing mental health care.

Following news of her passing, clips of those remarks circulated across social media and online forums, prompting extensive reaction among former viewers.

“Her Neutrogena commercials are a core memory in my Millenial life. The way she splashed her face always impressed me and I would try to copy her technique lol. Shame on Neutrogena. Rest easy, Hayden Pannetiere,” wrote one Reddit user.

Other commenters pointed to the friction between beauty brands marketing to women and the industry’s reaction to maternal health conditions. “Good for her telling us this. Us as woman already get ignored for ‘women probelms’, but a comapny that makes products for women not wanting to represent us is horrible,” another commenter posted. “She obviously went through a tough time, and they minimized it and ignored her.”

The renewed attention also revived comparisons to how the entertainment industry previously responded to postpartum disclosures, including the public backlash directed at Brooke Shields two decades ago.

“I feel like Hayden was one of the first people I ever heard talking about PPD openly. It’s more common now but it definitely wasn’t even these few years ago. And most women who did talk about it got a lot of flack for it. Remember when Brooke Shields talked about her experience with PPD and antidepressants and scientology assholes Tom Cruise and Kirstie Alley came after her for it? Most of the rest of the discourse ended up being about that and not on the actual experience she talked about,” a user wrote.

Another added: “Ooh this makes me so angry. God forbid a woman talk openly about a serious issue that affects millions. Poor Hayden. RIP” Neutrogena has not issued an official public statement regarding the circulating clips.

Three months before her death, Hayden Panettiere opened up about the painful end of her relationship with Milo Ventimiglia.

In an interview with Us Weekly, the actress revealed that their breakup came as a surprise even though the Heroes stars had been together for about two years.

Panettiere and Ventimiglia, 49, began dating while working together on Heroes. She was 18 when their relationship began, while Ventimiglia was 30. In her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, Panettiere reflected on the romance and explained why the breakup affected her so deeply.

According to Panettiere, the split felt like it came “out of left field.”

She said there hadn’t been a major betrayal or explosive incident leading up to it. Instead, the breakup followed a disagreement involving an unnamed NBC executive who kissed Panettiere at a party. Ventimiglia reportedly wanted to confront the executive, while Panettiere asked him not to.

About a week later, Ventimiglia ended their relationship.

Panettiere recalled being devastated by the decision. She said she became so emotional that Ventimiglia initially reconsidered and told her he took the breakup back after seeing her reaction. She later described herself as being hysterical and feeling as though her “world had crumbled.”

The actress also revealed that she had viewed the relationship as something stable in her life and believed it could eventually lead to marriage. She said she tended to invest her whole self in her relationships and had seen Ventimiglia as a potential long-term partner.

Still, Panettiere acknowledged in retrospect that there was a deeper issue in their relationship. She said she struggled to put the words “I love you” together in the way Ventimiglia expected, something she didn’t fully understand about herself at the time.

The former couple ultimately went their separate ways, but Panettiere said there was no bad blood between them on the Heroes set afterward.

Panettiere died Aug. 16 at age 36, months after releasing her memoir, which offered a deeply personal look at her life and career.

RELATED: Hayden Panettiere’s Final Movie Role Came Just Months Before Her Death

Freaks and Geeks was just named the best teen drama of all time!

In a new ranking published by The Hollywood Reporter, the cult classic took the top spot despite airing for just one season on NBC from 1999 to 2000.

The teen comedy-drama, created by Paul Feig and executive-produced by Judd Apatow, follows teenagers at a suburban high school near Detroit during the 1980–81 school year.

The series centers on two groups of outcast teenagers: the “freaks,” a group of older rebels and slackers, and the “geeks,” younger, bullied misfits. Together, the series explored “the sad, hilarious unfairness of teen life.”

The show starred Linda Cardellini, John Francis Daley, James Franco, Samm Levine, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, Martin Starr, Becky Ann Baker, Joe Flaherty, and Busy Philipps, and is widely credited with launching the careers of several of its stars.

“Whether you classify Paul Feig’s ’80s-set series as a drama, as we are, or a comedy, as the Emmys did for its two writing nominations and a deserved casting win for the great Allison Jones, Freaks and Geeks is funnier than any teen show ever made and also more deeply relatable and emotionally resonant,” The Hollywood Reporter wrote in its review.

“With only 18 hourlong episodes, which were bounced around NBC’s schedule like Tigger on speed, the series introduced over a dozen indelible characters — cringeworthy heroes and empathy-worthy villains — and a world as impeccably realized as anything achieved on the big or small screen,” it continued. “Looking at this cast of future stars and superstars, it’s shameful that NBC couldn’t get more than one season out.”

The review concluded, “‘Discos and Dragons’ is a flawless series finale, making it possible to believe this was simply the story that Feig, Judd Apatow, Mike White and company wanted to tell — and to feel blessed to have spent this time in Chippewa, Michigan, wandering the halls of William McKinley High School at all.”

RELATED: ‘Freaks and Geeks’ Only Lasted One Season — Now Fans Call It ‘Near Perfect’

Despite receiving rave reviews even decades later, Freaks and Geeks struggled to build a dedicated audience during its original run. The series was given a difficult Saturday night 8 p.m. time slot, while NBC frequently shifted its schedule, airing episodes inconsistently and leaving long gaps that made it difficult for viewers to follow.

The series has since become one of the most beloved teen shows of its era and is often considered one of the biggest “what ifs” in television history.

Here’s the full list of The Hollywood Reporter’s top teen dramas.

1. Freaks and Geeks
2. Friday Night Lights
3. My So-Called Life
4. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
5. America to Me
6. The O.C.
7. High School
8. The Baby-Sitters Club
9. Veronica Mars
10. Beverly Hills, 90210
11. Betty
12. Skins
13. Swagger
14. Bunheads
15. Glee

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Hayden Panettiere’s final movie role arrived just months before her death at age 36.

The actress starred in Sleepwalker, a psychological thriller that was released in theaters and on streaming platforms on Jan. 9, 2026. The film marked one of Panettiere’s final projects following her return to acting after a years-long break from Hollywood.

In Sleepwalker, produced by Verdi Productions and Leonardo DiCaprio’s production firm Appian Way, Panettiere played Sarah Pangborn, an artist haunted by the tragic death of her daughter. After a car accident leaves her abusive husband in a coma, Sarah begins experiencing increasingly disturbing sleepwalking episodes and struggles to distinguish reality from her nightmares.

Panettiere was also an executive producer on the film, a role she was particularly excited about as she looked toward expanding her work behind the camera.

In a January interview with New Beauty, she described the project as a new chapter for her creatively and said she hoped to eventually direct.

The film was part of a late-career return for Panettiere. After starring as Claire Bennet on Heroes and Juliette Barnes on Nashville, she stepped away from acting for several years. She returned to the big screen as Kirby Reed in 2023’s Scream VI, followed by roles in Amber Alert and A Breed Apart.

Sleepwalker ultimately became her final film role. Reuters confirmed that Panettiere died at 36, while her family said the circumstances surrounding her death were under investigation.

Earlier this year, Panettiere also released her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, in which she reflected on her personal struggles and her journey through recovery.

At the time Sleepwalker was released, however, Panettiere was looking ahead. In her New Beauty interview, she spoke about having a busy year ahead and described herself as excited about what was next.

That makes her final movie especially poignant: Sleepwalker was released just seven months before her death, marking the last completed film appearance of a performer whose career had spanned more than three decades.

RELATED: Hayden Panettiere Began Her Acting Career at Just 11 Months Old

Hayden Panettiere was already working in front of a camera before she was old enough to walk or talk.

The actress, who died Aug. 17 at age 36, began her career as a baby model at just 8 months old before booking her first commercial at 11 months. The commercial was for a Playskool toy train, marking the beginning of a career that would eventually include Heroes, Nashville, Scream and Remember the Titans.

Panettiere looked back on that unusual beginning during a 2026 interview with NPR, explaining that she started baby modeling when she was 8 months old.

“I did my first commercial when I was 11 months old,” she told the outlet. It was a Playskool toy train commercial.

She later joked that she wasn’t sure the commercial really counted as acting because she didn’t have any lines. She was simply playing with the toy.

But the commercial was only the beginning.

At 4 years old, Panettiere landed the role of Sarah Roberts on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live, beginning a run of television work that continued into Guiding Light. She played Lizzie Spaulding on the CBS soap from 1996 to 2000. The Television Academy notes that Panettiere appeared in more than 50 commercials as a child.

Her early career eventually expanded into movies and voice work. She voiced Dot in Pixar’s A Bug’s Life and appeared in Remember the Titans before becoming a household name as Claire Bennet on Heroes. She later starred as Juliette Barnes on Nashville, earning two Golden Globe nominations for the role.

Looking back, Panettiere acknowledged that growing up in the entertainment industry meant she didn’t have the same childhood as other kids. In her 2026 NPR interview, she described feeling caught between the adult world of Hollywood and the normal childhood she wanted.

Her career, however, had begun long before she could understand just how far it would take her.

RELATED: Hayden Panettiere Called Losing Custody of Daughter Kaya ‘Gut-Wrenching’ in Her Memoir