A Tennessee pastor who has shared the Christian gospel with thousands of celebrities is remembering his 2024 meeting with actress Hayden Panettiere following her sudden death at age 36.
Dylan Novak, founder of Celebrity Evangelist Ministries and a youth pastor in Tennessee, met Panettiere with his wife at Steel City Con in Pennsylvania in April 2024. The couple spoke with the actress about parenthood, raising daughters and faith.
Novak said the encounter left a lasting impression because of what he described as a noticeable sadness surrounding Panettiere.
Pastor Says Panettiere Had a Noticeably Sad Presence
Novak recalled that he and his wife discussed Panettiere’s demeanor shortly after meeting her.
He said they sensed both kindness and sadness during their interaction, describing the experience as one that stayed with them after they left the event. Novak also said people he knows in the entertainment industry who had worked with Panettiere had made similar observations about her personality.
Despite that impression, Novak emphasized that the meeting also gave him an opportunity to speak with Panettiere about his Christian faith.
Novak Reflects on Sharing His Faith With Actress
Novak said he was grateful that he had the opportunity to share the gospel with Panettiere and provide her with faith-related resources.
His ministry focuses on reaching celebrities, whom he considers an often-overlooked mission field. Novak said he has personally shared the gospel with more than 2,000 public figures.
He typically prepares personalized gift packages containing Bibles, Christian materials and handwritten notes based on comments celebrities have made publicly about faith.
Panettiere’s Death Brings New Focus to Ministry
Panettiere died Aug. 16 after she was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy found no signs of trauma that contributed to her death, while the official cause and manner of death remained under investigation.
The circumstances surrounding her death have prompted renewed attention to her life and career, including her work on television series such as “Heroes” and “Nashville.”
Novak said the news made him reflect on how little time people can have to make a difference in someone else's life.
Pastor Says Encounter Reinforced His Mission
For Novak, Panettiere’s death reinforced the urgency behind his ministry.
He said people often assume there will always be another opportunity to speak with someone, particularly when that person is young. Her death, he said, reminded him that the future is never guaranteed.
Novak said the experience strengthened his determination to continue reaching people with his message rather than waiting for another opportunity.
Hayden Panettiere Remembered Beyond Her Fame
Panettiere began acting as a child and went on to become known for roles in films including “Remember the Titans” and “Ice Princess,” as well as the television series “Heroes” and “Nashville.”
Her sudden death has prompted tributes from former co-stars, friends and other figures in the entertainment industry.
For Novak, however, his most personal memory is the brief conversation he shared with Panettiere in 2024. He said the encounter reminded him that behind celebrity and fame is an individual who may be facing private struggles that the public cannot see.
As questions surrounding Panettiere’s death continue to be examined by authorities, Novak says the meeting has given him an even stronger sense of purpose in continuing his outreach to others.
Also Read: Retired Port Authority Cops Challenge Leaders Over 9/11