Bella Ramsey is embracing both personal and professional evolution in the newly released The Last of Us Season 2. In a heartfelt interview with BBC Newsbeat, the actor opened up about their autism diagnosis and how it’s shaping their deeper connection with the character of Ellie.
“I’m autistic.” Bella Ramsey Finds Clarity and Confidence
While Bella had previously described themselves as neurodiverse, they now openly share that they are autistic.
“I said that I was neurodiverse before, and then I was like, ‘Why don’t I just say what it actually is… I’m autistic,’” Ramsey told BBC.
The actor, who uses they/them pronouns, hopes this transparency helps reduce stigma around autism and makes others feel seen. With this newfound clarity, Ramsey feels more confident and authentic—both on and off screen.
Ellie’s Journey Mirrors Bella’s Own Growth
Season 2 picks up five years after the dramatic events of season one, with Ellie and Joel (played by Pedro Pascal) navigating a tense and emotionally charged dynamic. Ramsey acknowledges that their evolving identity has deepened how they approach the role:
“There’s always like a merging of me and whatever character I’m playing… that happens times 10 with Ellie.”
Their portrayal of Ellie is now influenced not only by the script but also by Bella’s own journey of self-discovery, making the performance even more powerful and raw.
Authentic Queer Representation
This season also highlights Ellie’s relationship with Dina, a storyline taken from the Last of Us Part II video game. Ramsey praised the natural inclusion of queer identity, saying:
“It doesn’t feel like it’s representation added on top to check a box—it really feels like it’s just a part of the story.”
Their commitment to authentic LGBTQ+ storytelling continues to be a core strength of the show.
From Westeros to the Wasteland
Growing up in front of the camera since their Game of Thrones debut, Ramsey reflected on what it means to have their development captured onscreen:
“The more that you grow up, you just realise how little you know… and I think that’s something that Ellie is also discovering.”
With Season 3 already confirmed, fans can look forward to more of Ellie’s evolution—and Ramsey’s, too.
Stay tuned for more updates on The Last of Us, Bella Ramsey, and the powerful stories redefining representation in entertainment.
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