"Where Have All the Cookies Gone?" to Nashville: Hayden Panettiere's Early Commercial Stardom

Hayden Panettiere will be remembered best for acting roles like Nashville and Heroes, but before that, she starred in a handful of iconic commercials in the '90s. From selling power tools to promising to guard a brother's nuggets, Panettiere's early work showcased the charm and charisma that would later make her a star.

The Wendy's Commercial

One of Panettiere's earliest commercials was for Wendy's, showcasing the fast-food chain's 99-cent five-piece nugget deal. The 1996 commercial shows a young Panettiere sitting with her "brother's" meal after promising him she'd look after it. "But when someone gets nuggets, it's hard not to try one," Panettiere admits before biting into the nugget. She then blames Wendy's founder Dave Thomas for stealing them upon her brother's return.

The commercial was a perfect showcase for Panettiere's natural comedic timing and expressive face. Even as a child, she could convey mischief and charm that made her memorable to audiences. The spot became one of Wendy's most beloved commercials of the era, and it helped establish Panettiere as a rising young talent.

The Hershey's Commercial

In another iconic commercial, this time with Hershey's, Panettiere poses as a young scout doing door-to-door sales. However, instead of the cookies the elderly customer expects, the little scout is selling power tools. Panettiere shows off her "sockets with complimentary ratchets, screwdrivers, wrenches" and a cordless power saw "with a mother of pearl handle." The woman she's giving the sales pitch to wonders, "Where have all of the cookies gone?" before it's revealed they were all used for the Hershey's cookies and cream chocolate bar.

The commercial became a fan favorite, with Panettiere's deadpan delivery and the comedic twist making it a memorable spot. It also showcased her ability to hold her own in scenes with adult actors, a skill that would serve her well in her later acting career.

The Banana Nut Crunch Commercial

Panettiere's food-centric commercials didn't end there. She was also the small child excited to eat Banana Nut Crunch cereal, starring in a commercial for the Post brand. The spot featured Panettiere enthusiastically digging into a bowl of the cereal, her joy and energy evident in every frame.

Her IMDb page also credits her with being in a print ad for the now-discontinued Aunt Jemima pancake mix before pivoting to various other brands. These early commercial roles helped build her resume and gave her valuable experience in front of the camera.

The Playskool Commercial

Panettiere's earliest commercial appearance was for Playskool. As an infant, she moved around on the Fold N' Go Quilt, marking her first TV appearance before she became a household name. Other spots included a commercial for Nix lice treatment and Jergens, further expanding her portfolio of work.

From Commercials to Stardom

Her time on TV expanded to credited speaking roles when she landed the part of Lizzie Spaulding on the soap opera Guiding Light before breaking through with Heroes in 2006. She skyrocketed further with a lead role on Nashville, appearing as the ambitious, cutthroat diva Juliette Barnes, who was trying to make a name for herself in the pop-country space.

Panettiere's ability to transition from commercials to dramatic roles was a testament to her talent and versatility. Her early work in commercials gave her a strong foundation in acting, and she built on that foundation to become one of the most recognizable actresses of her generation.

A Tragic Loss

On August 16, 2026, Panettiere died of an apparent overdose after police officers and EMS responded to reports of an "unresponsive female" at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. She was 36 at the time of her death.

"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden," her dad, Alan Panettiere, confirmed to PEOPLE in a statement. "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."

A Lasting Legacy

Hayden Panettiere's commercial work in the '90s may have been just the beginning of her career, but it remains a cherished part of her legacy. For fans who grew up watching those commercials, she will always be the little girl who sold power tools, blamed Dave Thomas for stealing nuggets, and happily ate Banana Nut Crunch cereal.

Her journey from those early commercials to becoming a beloved actress is a testament to her talent, hard work, and enduring appeal. And while her life was cut tragically short, her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew her and the millions who watched her on screen.