Bella Ramsey Talks The Last of Us Season 2, Autism, and Growing Up on Screen

Bella Ramsey, the 20-year-old actor who captured hearts as the fierce, funny, and deeply human Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us, is stepping back into the spotlight as the hit show gears up for its second season. But behind the glowing reviews and viral fame, Ramsey’s journey has been anything but ordinary. From navigating Hollywood as a teenager to openly discussing their autism diagnosis, Ramsey’s story is as layered as the characters they portray.

When The Last of Us premiered in 2023, Ramsey became a household name almost overnight. Playing Ellie—a teenager surviving a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal pandemic—Ramsey brought raw emotion, wit, and grit to the role. Now, with Season 2 on the horizon, fans are eager to see how the story will adapt the darker, more complex chapters of the original video game. Ramsey admits the pressure is real. “Ellie’s arc in the next season is… intense,” they say. “She’s grappling with grief, anger, and a thirst for revenge. It’s a heavy emotional load, but I’m excited to dive deeper into her humanity.”

But while Ellie’s story is fictional, Ramsey’s own experiences have shaped how they approach the role. In 2023, Ramsey publicly shared their autism diagnosis, a revelation that resonated with fans and added new depth to their portrayal of Ellie, a character many in the autistic community see as neurodivergent-coded. “I didn’t realize I was autistic until a few years ago,” Ramsey explains. “Understanding myself better has helped me understand Ellie, too. She’s someone who feels things intensely, who struggles to connect but loves fiercely. That’s a thread I relate to.”

Ramsey’s openness about autism has made them a role model, but they’re quick to clarify they don’t speak for everyone on the spectrum. “Autism is a spectrum for a reason—no two experiences are the same. But if sharing my story helps even one person feel less alone, that’s everything.”

Growing up on screen hasn’t been easy, either. Ramsey first rose to fame at age 11 as the bold Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones, a role that required confidence beyond their years. “I was a kid trying to keep up with legends like Lena Headey and Peter Dinklage,” they laugh. “I faked confidence until it became real.” Now, as a young adult, Ramsey reflects on the strangeness of being watched by the world during their most formative years. “There’s a loss of privacy you can’t get back. But acting has also given me purpose. It’s a trade-off.”

Balancing work and personal growth remains a challenge. Ramsey admits they’ve had to “relearn” how to set boundaries and prioritize mental health. “For a long time, I felt like I had to say ‘yes’ to everything. Now, I’m learning it’s okay to protect my energy.”

As for The Last of Us Season 2, Ramsey teases that fans should brace themselves. “It’s going to be brutal, beautiful, and… a lot.” They also hint at the bond between Ellie and Joel (Pedro Pascal) evolving in unexpected ways. “Their relationship is the heart of the story, but hearts can break.”

Off-screen, Ramsey hopes to keep using their platform to advocate for neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ rights (they came out as nonbinary in 2023). “Representation matters, but so does nuance. I want to see more stories where being queer or autistic isn’t the only thing about a character—it’s just part of who they are.”

Bella Ramsey’s journey—from child actor to global star—is still unfolding. But one thing’s clear: whether battling infected mutants on TV or challenging stereotypes in real life, they’re doing it with authenticity, courage, and a touch of Ellie-style stubbornness. “I’m still figuring it all out,” they say. “But that’s okay. So is everyone else.”