Actor Ruby Rose became emotional while discussing the death of her close friend, Hayden Panettiere, who passed away on August 16 at the age of 36. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Rose described Panettiere as her “best friend,” noting that the two maintained daily communication for five years.
Rose admitted she was initially hesitant about forming friendships with celebrities due to negative past experiences within the industry. However, the connection between the two was immediate. Recalling their first encounter, Rose shared that Panettiere approached her despite Rose’s initial apprehension.
“I saw her, she saw me, and I just remember thinking, ‘Oh, no.’ And then she ran up anyway and was like, ‘Hey, I’m Hayden. Can we go talk somewhere? We’ve got a lot in common.’ I just laughed,” Rose recounted.
According to Rose, the pair bonded quickly over their shared experiences. She emphasized that Panettiere’s primary motivation was autonomy over her public narrative.
“Hayden, all that she ever wanted was to have her story told her way, on her terms,” Rose said.
Panettiere, known for her roles in “Heroes,” “Nashville,” “Scream 4,” and “Scream VI,” had publicly addressed her battles with substance abuse in her 2026 memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning.” Following her death, the Drug Enforcement Administration collaborated with the Greenville, South Carolina Police Department to investigate the cause of her passing.
Tributes poured in from across Hollywood after the announcement of her death. Jack Coleman, who portrayed her father on “Heroes,” expressed his grief on social media.
“I’m heartbroken. I couldn’t begin to put my thoughts into words until now, and they will be inadequate,” Coleman wrote. He reflected on their two-decade relationship, recalling how Panettiere introduced herself during the pilot by shouting “daddy” and hugging him. “From that day on, she called me daddio. She was Haydini, because she was a magician,” he added.
Did the investigation actually find anything yet, or is it still ongoing? Rose mentioned DEA involvement but details are vague.
Wait, Hayden Panettiere died? I still think of her as the girl from Heroes. This hit hard.
So sad to hear about Hayden. Ruby’s tribute shows their bond was real and deep. She deserved peace.