Ruby Rose was sleeping on an air mattress before “Orange Is the New Black”

We hear stories all the time of our favorite stars before they were successful. Their ongoing commitment to their craft is super inspiring.

And now, thanks to a visit to Ellen, we’ve now learned Ruby Rose was one of those struggling stars not long before her big break.

Of course, Ruby Rose first wowed us on the delightful Netflix show, Orange Is the New Black. She was such a natural superstar onscreen. Most people simply assumed she had to be already at least semi-famous before her breakout role. But, as it turned out, Ruby didn’t even own an actual mattress.

Ellen asked Ruby how she snagged her life-changing role on OITNB. Ruby admitted that she was unemployed for two years before creating a short film. The film, called Break Free, ended up going viral.

With over 24 million views and counting, Break Free shattered all sorts of gender expectations.

And it put Ruby Rose on the map.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFjsSSDLl8w?feature=oembed

Even Ruby was shocked at the opportunities that came from the film’s success.

She said, "Imagine not getting any work for two years and then getting to audition for the greatest show in the world."

Ruby spoke really highly about her experience on OITNB.

"It's such an amazing family unit of really supportive women and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life," she added.

As expected, her life changed dramatically after being “Stella” on the show. She, of course, became friends with some of the most famous and influential people on the planet. But, on a smaller scale, she was also able to afford the basics.

Ruby told Ellen, "I started with a blow up mattress from Target that me and my dog slept on for about a year. And next thing you know... I'm on the 'Ellen' show. I mean, how?"

Of course, she and her dog are both living much better now.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOEBOQnAki6

Ruby is gearing up to be in Pitch Perfect 3 and has been traveling all over to promote her latest movie, XXX: Return of Xander Cage. And when she finally gets a second to rest between those amazing projects, it’s good to know she’s no longer sleeping on an air mattress.