Ruby Rose, best known for her role as Kate Kane in the DC Comics adaptation, ‘Batwoman’, has opened up about her ongoing health struggles following a series of serious injuries sustained while performing stunts for the show. In the premiere episode of the fifth season of ‘Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test,’ Rose candidly discussed the physical and psychological toll that these injuries have taken on her life and career.
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The actress, who has joined 14 other celebrities in this year’s challenging competition in Asia, recalled her decision to leave ‘Batwoman’ after the first season. A key factor in her exit was the alarming injuries she suffered during filming, which nearly left her paralysed. “I broke my neck twice and ended up with two herniated discs near my spinal cord,” she explained. These injuries significantly affected her ability to perform stunts, an aspect of her work she had relished.
Reflecting on her experience, Rose expressed both her passion for action roles and the associated risks. “Kicking butt was one of the joys in my life — but it also ended up being the end,” she admitted. Her struggles became apparent during one of the initial challenges of the series, specifically when she was unable to execute a complex stunt that involved jumping out of a helicopter.
In a heartfelt moment, Rose revealed her injury history to fellow contestant Candace Cameron Bure after she encountered difficulty with the challenge. “I’ve always done all of my own stunts, so I could turn up as Ruby: the action star,” Rose said in a confessional. However, her accident in 2019 had left her feeling like a shell of her former self. “There was no bouncing back. Four years of my life — gone,” she lamented.
As the competition progressed, Rose found herself grappling with further challenges. After another competitor, Brandi Glanville, was medically withdrawn from the competition, the group dynamic shifted. During a demanding late-night obstacle course, Rose again faced obstacles related to her injuries while attempting to lift a sandbag. She confided in a confessional that any thought of failing tasks weighed heavily on her, affecting her self-belief and confidence.
When one of the show’s directors encouraged her by recalling her past as a superhero, she questioned her identity, saying, “Finally, it’s like, I’m not really that action star, am I? I’m just Ruby.” This admission highlights the deeper impact her injuries have not only on her physical capabilities but also on her self-perception.
In addition to her spinal injuries, Rose faced a further setback earlier this year when she shared on social media that she had broken two ribs in an accident at home. A slip and fall into her pool left her with serious injuries, prompting her to poke fun at her misfortune with a light-hearted post on Instagram. “RIP to my ribs and to the rest of my summer. They are broken, multiple,” she wrote, adding a humorous note despite the pain she had endured.
The challenges Rose faces highlight the intense physicality of stunt work in the entertainment industry and the potential risks involved. Her journey reflects not only the physical recovery required but also the mental resilience needed to navigate such overwhelming experiences.
New episodes of ‘Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test’ air every Thursday evening at 9 p.m. ET/PT on FOX, offering viewers a chance to see how Rose and her fellow competitors confront both their physical limits and personal struggles. Through her openness about her experiences, Rose serves as a reminder of the realities many performers face behind the glamorous facade of stardom.