Who is Wladimir Klitschko? Hayden Panettiere’s ex-fiancé and father of her 11-year-old daughter

Wladimir Klitschko is a former Ukrainian professional boxer who became one of the most accomplished heavyweight champions of his generation. During his long career, he held multiple world heavyweight titles and became known for his technical skills, powerful punches and disciplined style. Klitschko was also widely known for his relationship with actress Hayden Panettiere. The actress, best known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, died at age 36 on Sunday, according to ABC News.

Panettiere and Klitschko reportedly met at a party in 2008 and began dating in 2009. Their relationship was on and off for several years. They split for the first time in 2011 but reunited in 2013. Later that year, Panettiere confirmed that they were engaged. The couple welcomed their only child, daughter Kaya Evdokia Klitschko, in December 2014. Kaya was born in Hawaii, and Panettiere and Klitschko initially raised her together. Their relationship eventually ended in 2018, and they faced difficult decisions about their daughter's care.

Panettiere later spoke publicly about her struggles with postpartum depression and alcoholism following Kaya's birth. In a 2022 interview with ABC News, she said she had battled both issues and described the period as extremely difficult. Amid those challenges, Kaya went to live primarily with her father. Panettiere continued to speak about the importance of her relationship with her daughter, whom she described as an important source of light in her life.


Despite their separation, Panettiere and Klitschko remained connected through Kaya. Their daughter has grown up with parents from two very different worlds, with her father known internationally for his boxing career and her mother recognized for her work in television and film.

Kaya has also shown an interest in sports. She began skiing at a very young age, and Panettiere previously shared footage of her daughter skiing during an appearance on Live with Kelly!. The actress also spoke warmly about her bond with Kaya over the years.

Panettiere's death has renewed public interest in her career, personal life and family, including her long-standing connection with Klitschko and their daughter.