Bella Ramsey Reveals Autism Diagnosis During Filming of HBO’s The Last of Us
Bella Ramsey, the talented and Emmy-nominated star of HBO’s hit post-apocalyptic series The Last of Us, has opened up about being diagnosed with autism while shooting the show’s initial season. This revelation comes as part of a recent profile featured in British Vogue.
During the production, a crew member who had a daughter diagnosed with autism suspected that Ramsey might also be on the spectrum. Inspired by this insight, Ramsey pursued a psychiatric evaluation that confirmed the diagnosis.
Understanding Autism and Its Impact on Ramsey’s Life
Ramsey expressed that the diagnosis clarified questions they had long harbored, stemming from experiences of feeling like an outsider in school. The article notes that Ramsey has faced “sensory issues typical for those on the autism spectrum” and struggles with a heightened sensitivity to others’ micro-expressions and body language.
In reflecting on the intersection of their condition and their craft, Ramsey remarked, “I’ve always been watching and learning from people.” They believe that their unique way of learning social interactions has enhanced their acting skills. Describing the diagnosis as liberating, Ramsey stated, “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.”
The Importance of Visibility
Addressing the reasons behind sharing their diagnosis, Ramsey affirmed, “There’s no reason for people not to know.” Their openness contributes to a growing dialogue around autism awareness, particularly in the entertainment industry.
Ramsey’s Role in The Last of Us
In The Last of Us, Ramsey portrays Ellie, a young girl navigating a world ravaged by a devastating plague. Following the first season, they achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first non-binary actor nominated for the Emmy Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series.
At a recent event during the South by Southwest Film and TV Festival, Ramsey shared insights into the evolving dynamic between Ellie and her companion Joel, played by Pedro Pascal. Reflecting on the passage of five years in the show’s timeline, they noted, “[Joel and Ellie’s] relationship has changed a little, and we start to see why… There’s a lot of layers to friendship.”
Mark your calendars! Season two of The Last of Us is set to premiere on April 13 on HBO and Max.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zHPsmXCjB0