Ruby Rose opened up about her deep friendship with Hayden Panettiere following the actress's death on August 16 at age 36. Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Rose revealed that Panettiere was her best friend and that they spoke daily for five years, a bond Rose described as unexpected and deeply meaningful.
Rose became emotional recounting their connection. "I didn't even think we were going to be friends," she said, her voice breaking as she reflected on how their relationship evolved. The two formed an unlikely pair, but the frequent communication and shared experiences forged a connection that Rose clearly treasured.
Panettiere, best known for her role as Claire Bennet on NBC's "Heroes," had stepped back from the public eye in recent years to focus on her personal recovery and family. Rose emphasized that throughout their friendship, Panettiere remained focused on one core desire: having her story authentically told. "All that she ever wanted was to have her story told," Rose explained, underscoring how important transparency and her narrative control were to the actress during this period.
The two actresses worked together in the entertainment industry and found common ground despite initial doubts about their compatibility. Rose, known for roles in "Orange Is the New Black" and "Batwoman," became a confidante and daily presence in Panettiere's life over those five years. Their friendship transcended typical Hollywood connections, developing into the kind of bond where regular check-ins and genuine care formed the foundation.
Panettiere's death shocked the entertainment world. The actress had largely retreated from acting while managing personal challenges, though she remained focused on her children and well-being. Before her passing, she had been selective about public appearances and statements, making her preference for controlling her own narrative all the more evident to those close to her.
Rose's tribute speaks to the private, meaningful relationships that exist behind celebrity facades. Rather than focusing solely on Panettiere's professional accomplishments, Rose centered her remarks on the person she knew intimately, someone whose primary concern wasn't fame or public perception but rather autonomy over how her life story would be presented to the world.
The actress's death marks a loss not only for Hollywood but for those in her inner circle who valued her deeply. Rose's emotional recollection of their daily conversations and Panettiere's quiet strength reveals the weight of grief experienced by those closest to her. For Rose, honoring Panettiere's memory means respecting her central wish: that her authentic story, told on her own terms, remains her legacy.