Bella Ramsey Opens Up About Autism Diagnosis: How It’s Shaping Their Role in “The Last of Us” Season 2
Bella Ramsey, known for their role as Ellie in HBO’s “The Last of Us“, recently shared with British Vogue that they were diagnosed with autism while filming the first season of the series. While they had previously discussed neurodivergence, Ramsey revealed that they had never shared the specifics of their diagnosis before. “I’ve spoken a bit about neurodivergence before, but I always for some reason didn’t want to say what it was,” Ramsey said. “I got diagnosed with autism when I was filming season one of ‘The Last of Us.’”
Bella Ramsey’s Diagnosis
According to Ramsey, a crew member with an autistic daughter noticed traits in Ramsey and suggested they might be on the spectrum, prompting them to seek a formal assessment. This led to a life-changing moment for Ramsey, who admitted they had always felt like a “weirdo” and a “loner,” and had often wondered if they were on the spectrum.
The diagnosis gave them clarity and helped explain their experiences growing up. For Ramsey, receiving their diagnosis was “freeing.” “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,” they said.
The diagnosis provided a sense of relief and understanding, allowing Ramsey to finally make sense of the feelings of being different they’d experienced throughout their life.
Ramsey has opened up about the sensory issues they experience, which are common for many people on the autism spectrum. They mentioned the discomfort of loud noises or chaotic environments, which can be overwhelming. Ramsey also described a “painful hyperawareness of other people’s micro-expressions and body language,” which often leads to social challenges but has also enriched their acting craft by allowing them to read and portray human emotions with great depth.
Neurodiversity as an Asset in Acting
Rather than seeing autism as a hindrance, Bella Ramsey views it as an asset to their acting career. Their ability to observe and learn from others, despite their different perspective, has helped them portray complex characters authentically. The structured environment on set has also been a significant benefit, with predictable routines allowing them to feel secure and focused on their craft.
Bella Ramsey Breaking Down Doors In Hollywood
By speaking out about their diagnosis, Bella is helping to break stereotypes and pave the way for greater representation of neurodivergent individuals in the entertainment industry. Their openness about being both non-binary and autistic challenges traditional narratives, encouraging more inclusive storytelling.
Engaging with the Autism Community
Ramsey also advocates for greater awareness and acceptance of autism. They hope that sharing their journey will inspire others in the autism community to do the same and will foster a more inclusive environment in Hollywood and beyond.
Ramsey’s story contributes to the broader conversation about neurodiversity and the importance of acceptance in both personal and professional settings. As awareness of autism grows, more people are beginning to understand and appreciate the strengths and challenges of neurodivergent individuals.
Bella Ramsey’s Evolution in “The Last of Us”
In “The Last of Us”, Bella portrays Ellie, a character navigating a post-apocalyptic world with resilience and vulnerability. The evolving dynamic between Ellie and Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, reflects the complexities of human connection, and Ramsey hints that their own experiences with relationships have influenced how they portray Ellie.
Bella Ramsey’s Journey Toward Self-Acceptance
Bella Ramsey’s journey toward self-acceptance and their openness about being autistic is a powerful reminder of the importance of neurodiversity. By embracing their identity, they’re helping to create a more inclusive and understanding environment in the entertainment industry. As they continue to break barriers, Ramsey’s story serves as an inspiration to others, encouraging greater representation and empathy in all walks of life. Fans can look forward to seeing more of Bella as Ellie, as “The Last of Us” returns for Season 2 on April 13 on HBO.
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