As a young actor, Bella Ramsey has gracefully navigated the challenging waters of fame while staying true to their identity. The star of the hit HBO series “The Last of Us” has recently opened up about their neurodivergent journey, shedding light on a facet of their life that resonates with many of their fans.
Ramsey, now 20 years old, was diagnosed as neurodivergent at the age of 18, a pivotal moment that coincided with their involvement in the acclaimed series. Reflecting on this revelation during an interview with Elle earlier this year, Ramsey shared, “I’ve been thinking for years that maybe I was, and then to find that out while filming this show was super special.”
A Supportive Onset Environment
In the interview with The Times, Ramsey delved deeper into their diagnosis, revealing their heightened sensitivity to “micro-expressions and social cues” in everyday life. While this heightened awareness might appear advantageous for an actor, Ramsey acknowledged that it also poses challenges, particularly in their line of work, where they sometimes have to scramble to learn their lines on the day of shooting.
Ramsey praised the supportive atmosphere on the set of “The Last of Us,” highlighting their “special relationship” with co-star Pedro Pascal. They shared, “I don’t know if I’d be an actor if it wasn’t for that. One of my things is I’m very perceptive, sometimes too perceptive. I get paralyzed because I just see everything – it takes me four hours to get round [supermarket] Tesco’s.”
A Rising Star
Despite the challenges, Bella Ramsey’s acting prowess has not gone unnoticed. In July, Ramsey earned their first Emmy nomination, albeit in the gendered category of Outstanding Lead “Actress.” Both co-stars and crew members have heaped praise on Ramsey for their exceptional talent and dedication.
As “The Last of Us” season two prepares to begin production after the resolution of the writer’s strike, fans can look forward to Ramsey’s portrayal of a tender queer romance in an upcoming storyline. Showrunner Craig Mazen has confirmed that work on the new season commenced as soon as the strike concluded.
Bella Ramsey’s journey, both as a neurodivergent individual and a rising star in the entertainment industry, continues to inspire and uplift fans worldwide.