Bella Ramsey, best known for her role as the queer teenager Ellie in The Last of Us TV series, recently opened up in an interview with L’Officiel about the importance of LGBTQ+ representation onscreen and her close friendship with co-star Pedro Pascal. Ramsey shared that despite initial fears, she and Pascal quickly bonded over a shared love of music and became close friends on and off set.
Ramsey has been vocal about the show’s LGBTQ+ storylines and has clapped back at trolls who have expressed anger towards the representation. In the interview, she described the show’s portrayal of queer characters as integral to the story and beautifully done. The Last of Us features two stand-out queer storylines: the emotionally devastating gay love story between Bill and Frank and the exploration of Ellie and former roommate Riley’s relationship.
Ramsey’s character, Ellie, is described as a queer, wisecracking teen who is immune to a fungal infection. Ramsey shared that she loved that the character was described from the outset as “gay and doesn’t give a f**k what you think”. Ramsey believes that portraying LGBTQ+ characters in a terrifying world ravaged by a pandemic is important because “gay people exist, so why shouldn’t they exist in the apocalypse?”
Ramsey’s comments on the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in the show reflect a growing trend towards inclusion and diversity in media. The Last of Us TV series has been widely praised for its portrayal of queer characters, with fans hailing the show’s decision to go all-out for its LGBTQ+ characters. Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie, in particular, has cemented her status as a beloved LGBTQ+ icon.
In addition to discussing her role in The Last of Us, Ramsey also spoke about her friendship with Pedro Pascal. The two actors play father and daughter in the series and bonded over a shared love of music. Ramsey described Pascal as a safe and kind person, and praised his “top-tier” taste in music.
Ramsey’s comments shed light on the importance of authentic representation and the impact it can have on audiences. The Last of Us TV series, with its queer storylines and diverse cast, is a testament to the power of inclusive storytelling.