Bella Ramsey, the Emmy-nominated star of HBO's acclaimed series The Last of Us, is making headlines with their recent revelation about being diagnosed with autism during the filming of the show's first season. This news comes as anticipation builds for Season 2, which has already broken records on HBO's YouTube channel by garnering an impressive 158 million views for its teaser trailer.
In a candid interview with British Vogue, Ramsey discussed the journey that led to their diagnosis. While filming The Last of Us, which took place in Alberta, Canada, from July 2021 to June 2022, a crew member, noticing traits she recognized in their autistic daughter, suggested that Ramsey might also be autistic. This prompted Ramsey to seek a psychiatric assessment, resulting in their diagnosis. "I got diagnosed with autism when I was filming season one of The Last of Us," they shared with the publication.
Ramsey's reflection on their diagnosis offered a glimpse into the challenges they faced prior to receiving it. Feeling like an outsider in school and experiencing sensory issues along with a heightened awareness of other people's non-verbal communication, the diagnosis brought clarity and understanding. "I’ve always wondered about it," they mentioned, highlighting their struggle with self-identity.
Interestingly, Ramsey believes that their autism may have contributed positively to their craft as an actor. "I’ve always been watching and learning from people. Having to learn more manually how to socialize and interact with the people around me has helped me with acting. [The diagnosis is] freeing... It enables me to walk through the world with more grace towards myself about not being able to do the easy everyday tasks that everyone else seems to be able to do,” they explained, shedding light on how embracing their neurodivergence enhances their professional performance.
Ramsey's outlook on life and acting serves as an inspiration for many, particularly for younger actors navigating similar situations. The importance of representation in the media cannot be understated, and Ramsey’s candidness encourages conversations about neurodiversity in the entertainment industry. Their role as Ellie, a young survivor in a post-apocalyptic world, is a testament to their remarkable talent, encapsulating a blend of vulnerability and strength that resonated deeply with audiences during Season 1.
In line with this, Ramsey made history as the first non-binary actor nominated for Best Actress in a Drama Series for their performance in The Last of Us. This milestone not only speaks to their exceptional acting skills but also brings visibility to non-binary individuals within a traditionally binary-centric awards system.
Looking ahead, the narrative in The Last of Us promises to evolve further with the upcoming Season 2, set to premiere on April 13, 2025. Ramsey hinted at significant developments in the relationship between Ellie and Joel, portrayed by Pedro Pascal. "[Joel and Ellie’s] relationship has changed a little, and we start to see why. They’re not best of friends. She’s quite sad. But I mean, there’s a lot of layers to friendship,” Ramsey explained at the South by Southwest Film and TV Festival, further teasing audiences about what’s to come.
This next installment is poised to delve deeper into the complexities of their connection, bringing a new level of emotional depth to the already beloved characters. As Ramsey prepares to reprise their role, their experiences and revelations stand as a testament to the power of understanding oneself, shaping not only personal growth but also enriching their performances on screen.
In a landscape where mental health and neurodivergence are often stigmatized, Ramsey’s openness not only fosters a sense of normalcy around discussing autism but also highlights the notion that such traits can be a source of strength rather than limitation. With both the release of the new season and the ongoing conversation around representation, Bella Ramsey's journey serves as an inspiration for audiences worldwide, proving that authenticity and talent can coexist beautifully in the world of entertainment.
