Bella Ramsey in the image.
Bella Ramsey, known for their Emmy-nominated role in The Last of Us, recently revealed their autism diagnosis. In an interview with British Vogue, the actor shared that they were diagnosed while filming the show's first season. Ramsey described the discovery as "liberating" and a moment of self-acceptance.
A Crew Member’s Observation Led to Diagnosis
Ramsey had long suspected they might be neurodivergent. However, it was a crew member on The Last of Us set—who had an autistic daughter—who first pointed it out. Their observation encouraged Ramsey to seek a formal psychiatric assessment, which confirmed the diagnosis.
Reflecting on their experience, Ramsey admitted they often felt like a "weirdo" and a "loner." The diagnosis helped them understand these feelings and recognize traits they had always questioned about themselves.
Challenges and Strengths of Autism
Ramsey also experiences sensory sensitivities, a common trait among autistic individuals. They spoke about the "painful hyperawareness" of people’s body language and micro-expressions, which can be overwhelming. Despite the challenges, Ramsey views their autism as an asset, particularly in their acting career.
"I've always been watching and learning from people. I had to manually learn how to socialize and interact, and that has helped me with acting," they explained.
Structure on Set Brings Comfort
For Ramsey, being on a film set provides a sense of routine that helps them navigate daily life. The structured nature of production—having set call times, wardrobe instructions, and specific directions—makes it easier to manage social and sensory challenges.
"It enables me to walk through the world with more grace. I don’t have to feel guilty about struggling with things that seem easy for others," they shared.
Looking Ahead to The Last of Us Season 2
Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie Williams in The Last of Us has been widely praised. Fans are eagerly anticipating Season 2, which premieres on April 13 on HBO.
By sharing their journey, Ramsey is helping to break down stigmas surrounding autism and neurodiversity, inspiring many to embrace their own unique experiences.
