United Kingdom, Aug. 19 -- Hilary Duff has paid tribute to "hardworking and effervescent" Hayden Panettiere following the actress' death.

The two stars shot to fame as teenagers in the early 2000s, with Hilary starring in Lizzie McGuire and Hayden - who passed away on Sunday (16.08.26) at the age of 36 - appearing in One Life to Live, and while they lost touch over the years, the Younger star will always cherish their late-night bonding conversations.

Hilary wrote on Instagram: "Sweet Hayden. Really tough hearing this news.

"We lost touch through the years but I will always remember you as so hardworking and effervescent, with that big, gorgeous smile.

"I remember staying up late, chatting and gossiping, and connecting because we were...