‘Ice Princess’ director honors late Hayden Panettiere, Michelle Trachtenberg as ‘amazing pair’

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Hayden Panettiere’s death has shocked the whole entertainment fraternity. The actress was gone too soon, and those who knew and worked with the 'Heroes' actress have paid tribute to her.

There is no doubt that Hollywood lost another gem following actress Michelle Trachtenberg’s death. Unfortunately, both actresses starred in the movie 'Ice Princess'. Now, the film’s director, Tim Fywell, has penned a heartfelt tribute to the stars of his beloved 2005 ice-skating movie.

Panettiere was 36 years old when she died, while Trachtenberg was 39 years old when she took her last breath in February 2025.

'Ice Princess' director remembers Hayden Panettiere and Michelle Trachtenberg following their deaths

Social media has not stopped talking about Hayden Panettiere since news of her death came out. Simultaneously, the Disney movie 'Ice Princess', in which Panettiere and Trachtenberg worked together, has been trending, especially now that both of them are gone.

“It was really upsetting to hear yesterday of the death of Hayden Panettiere at the age of 36,” Fywell shared in a statement to Variety.

“I remember a brave, sparky, dedicated young actress who lit up the set in rehearsals and then the screen with her vibrant talent. Michelle Trachtenberg, Hayden’s co-star in the movie, and she were an amazing pair,” he added.

The director revealed that both actresses had “very different personalities.” Trachtenberg was “kooky, fun, with an infectious laugh and her brilliant sad-funny comic timing.” But on the other hand, Panettiere was “plucky and determined and perfectionist, spending hours practising her skating and utterly focused on getting every acting take spot-on and truthful. Which she did.”

Fywell continued: “In what was often a tough and technically complicated shoot, and my first Hollywood movie, they were delightful to work with and great to have around.” “I remember them both with huge affection, how they were 20-odd years ago, at that relatively uncomplicated time of their lives, two shining talents, gone far too soon,” he added.

Late actors Hayden Panettiere and Michelle Trachtenberg were in Disney movie 'Ice Princess'

Following the news of Panettiere’s death, renewed attention has also turned to the death of Trachtenberg. The 2005 film follows a teenager, Casey Carlyle (played by Trachtenberg), who decides to give up her chance to study on a Harvard scholarship to become a professional figure skater. Along the way, she meets skater Gen (Panettiere) and befriends her.

The story revolves around how Gen helps Casey improve her skating skills and pursue her dream by all means possible. The movie also stars Joan Cusack and Kim Cattrall as Casey and Gen’s mothers, respectively.