Renowned for their role as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us, actor Bella Ramsey recently opened up about being diagnosed with autism while filming the first season of the hit series. In a candid interview with British Vogue, the 21-year-old shared how a crew member, who had personal experience with autism, recognised signs that led them to seek a formal diagnosis. Ramsey described the revelation as “liberating” and a significant step in understanding themselves better.
The Moment of Realisation
During the filming of The Last of Us, a crew member who has a daughter with autism noticed similarities in Ramsey’s behaviour. Their keen observation prompted Ramsey to reflect on their own experiences, which eventually led them to seek professional assessment.
“I’ve spoken a bit about neurodivergence before, but I always, for some reason, didn’t want to say what it was,” Ramsey shared. “I got diagnosed with autism when I was filming Season 1 of The Last of Us. There’s no reason for people not to know.” This moment of realisation was both surprising and validating for Ramsey, who had long questioned why they often felt different from their peers.
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Struggles and Understanding
Before their diagnosis, Ramsey had experienced challenges commonly associated with autism, including sensory sensitivities and social struggles. They recalled feeling like an outsider during school years, often perceiving themselves as a “loner” or a “weirdo.” Additionally, they described having an acute awareness of other people’s micro-expressions and body language, which at times felt overwhelming.
However, rather than viewing their diagnosis as a limitation, Ramsey found empowerment in understanding themselves better. “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.
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How Autism Has Helped Their Acting Career
Interestingly, Ramsey believes their autism has played a pivotal role in shaping their skills as an actor. They highlighted how the need to consciously observe social interactions has provided them with a deeper understanding of human behaviour, a trait that enhances their performances.
“I’ve always been watching and learning from people,” Ramsey noted. “Having to learn more manually how to socialise and interact with the people around me has helped me with acting.” This perspective has allowed them to embrace their neurodivergence as a strength rather than a challenge, offering a fresh take on their journey in the entertainment industry.
Bella Ramsey’s Role in The Last of Us
Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie in The Last of Us has earned them critical acclaim and widespread recognition. Ellie, a resilient young survivor in a post-apocalyptic world, is a complex and emotionally rich character, making Ramsey’s performance all the more impactful. Their role not only brought them into the spotlight but also made them the first non-binary actor to receive an Emmy nomination for Best Actress in a Drama Series.
With the highly anticipated second season of The Last of Us set to premiere on April 13 on HBO and Max, Ramsey’s revelation adds another layer of depth to their journey as an actor and an individual embracing their identity.
A Message of Self-Acceptance
By sharing their story, Ramsey hopes to inspire others who may be navigating similar experiences. Their openness about their autism diagnosis serves as a powerful reminder that self-discovery can be a liberating and empowering process. As Ramsey continues to thrive in their career, their journey stands as an important testament to embracing one’s identity and finding strength in neurodivergence.