Hayden Panettiere Plays Cheerleader, Activist

She’s the media darling of NBC’s hit show Heroes, but Hayden Panettiere isn’t content to just sit back and enjoy her television success.

The Claire Bennet actress was spotted on the set of her new cheerleading movie “I Love You Beth Cooper,” wearing a grey and white striped sweater, jeans, and some grey leather boots as she toted around her massive handbag.

Later on, the paps caught up with her at the Pepsi Stuff Music and More launch. And Hayden definitely glammed up on her way to the gig, sporting a black strapless dress with matching peep-toe shoes and a killer hairdo/makeup combo.

Above and beyond her acting career, Panettiere will be leading a rally against a resumption of commercial whaling at 1pm this Sunday, January 27th in Washington D.C.’s Dupont Circle. She’ll also be speaking with policymakers and students to encourage increased whale protection.

She told press, "Whales face increasing threats from climate change, ship strikes, entanglement in nets, and chemical and noise pollution, yet Japan, Norway and Iceland continue to kill them in increasing numbers. I am looking forward to talking with officials who actually make and carry out our policies, as well as fellow young people who will be voting in the upcoming election -- I want our voice to be heard."

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Enjoy the pictures of Hayden at the Pepsi Stuff launch (January 24).