'Don't put kids in show business': Rose McGowan warns of child stardom dangers following Hayden Panettiere's death

Rose McGowan hit out at child stardom as she paid tribute to the late Hayden Panettiere.

The Charmed actress has warned that life in the spotlight is not "normal" and expressed her hope that the Heroes star - who died last weekend aged 36 - is now "free" from those who "orchestrated" her career, which saw her begin acting at the age of just four.

“Don’t put kids in show business. None of this is normal. May her spirit be free of those who orchestrated.”

Rose isn't the only famous face to warn about the dangers of child stardom in the wake of Hayden's death.

Anna Paquin - who won an Oscar for The Piano when she was just 11 years old - argued young performers are "not as protected" by Hollwood as theyy should be.

Referencing Hayden, Michelle Trachtenberg and Daveigh Chase, who died aged 39 and 35 respectively, Anna wrote on Instagram: “It’s not a coincidence that so many former, specifically pre-sexualised female, child ‘stars’ have profoundly sad lives and untimely ends.

“We were not as protected by the ‘systems’ that look great on paper, as we are supposed to be. RIP HP, MT, DC, and too many others.”

She also described former child performers as belonging to a “strange, small club” and directly offered her support to others with similar experiences.

She wrote: “You are worthy of support no matter how our industry made us feel.”

Anna added: “Literally DM me. I believe you, and I will stand by your side. You aren’t alone.”

Melissa Gilbert, who began playing Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie as a child, also shared Anna’s statement.

Melissa wrote: “Thank you Anna. Someone has to say something. Someone has to change this. Someone has to help.”

She wrote: "Within one year, Michelle Trachtenberg, Daveigh Chase and Hayden Panettiere have died. DIED! Three former female child actors of the same generation are gone. Tragically, heartbreakingly, agonizingly too soon ...

"And why does this all feel so personal to me? I did not know Hayden personally and only worked briefly with Mishy and Daveigh. It feels personal because I was them ...