‘The Last of Us’ Bella Ramsey Says She’s “glad” to Have Autism, Claims to Be More Free Than Ever

Published 04/13/2025, 3:04 PM EDT

via Imago

Bella Ramsey has never followed a traditional path. From stealing scenes in Game of Thrones as a 13-year-old to heading up one of HBO's biggest series with The Last of Us, they have grown up on screen with characters that demand heart, grit, and raw emotion. Whether swinging swords or surviving a post-apocalyptic world, Bella Ramsey brings something distinctively real to every role — and off-screen, their story is just as powerful.

From breakout battles in Westeros to surviving infected chaos in America, Bella Ramsey’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Now, a personal discovery made during filming is giving fans a deeper look into what also truly fuels their powerful performances on screen.

How Bella Ramsey found freedom in autism

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Bella Ramsey is not just owning the screen, they are owning their story. While filming The Last of Us season one, Bella Ramsey was diagnosed with autism and recently told BBC they are “glad” to have it. For Ramsey, the diagnosis brought clarity and a powerful sense of freedom. “My experience is just as valid as other people’s, ” they stated, proudly embracing a part of themselves that once felt confusing. This personal revelation came right as Ellie’s journey began capturing hearts worldwide. 

By the time Bella was 13, they had already appeared in Game of Thrones. At 19, and as the lead in The Last of Us, one of HBO’s biggest hits. Now 21, Bella Ramsey shared with BBC Newsbeat how season two brings more emotional weight,  particularly with Ellie's complicated relationship with Joel. While Bella's actual relationship with their dad is the opposite of what is depicted on screen, they credit autism with helping them tap into deeper emotional truths — and say it makes them feel “more free”

Decade-Long ‘The Last of Us’ Casting Controversy Takes New Turns With Elliot Page and Bella Ramsay

Bella Ramsey’s journey as Ellie continues to evolve, with their unique perspective adding a powerful depth to the character. As the narrative continues and tensions escalate, the future of The Last of Us holds plenty of surprises. With some big changes on the horizon, fans will not want to miss what is coming next!

Spoiler alert, major plot developments ahead for The Last of Us fans

  Season 3 of The Last of Us is officially on the horizon, and the excitement is real! HBO wasted no time renewing the show for a third season just before season 2 dropped in April 2025. With season 2's characters getting juicier as the plot thickens, fans are eagerly looking forward to seeing what happens to Joel, Ellie, and the rest of the crew next. Will they see Ellie face Abby? And who is going to survive this wild ride? The next season is shaping up to be an emotional rollercoaster, and fans are all strapped in for the ride!  

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The reported cast news is also bringing the heat in season 3! Bella Ramsey returns as the fearless Ellie, with Pedro Pascal still rocking the role of Joel. But it does not stop there, the likely cast members also includes Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, adding major fire to the storyline. Plus, there is also Isabela Merced as Dina, Gabriel Luna as Tommy, and Young Mezino as Jesse. With such an epic storyline still ahead, and a cast like this it is no surprise that HBO is eager to keep this post-apocalyptic rollercoaster going.

Pedro Pascal Reveals 'The Last of Us' Details That Changed His Life Forever

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What do you think of Bella Ramsey’s journey and the emotional depth they bring to Ellie? Let us know in the comments below!

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Akshaya Deeksha

340 articles

Akshaya Deeksha is an Entertainment Writer at NetflixJunkie. With her passion to explore the evolving world of entertainment and her journalistic sense, she specializes in cinematic storytelling and Hollywood developments. Her expertise in lifestyle writing allows her to connect with readers through relatable content.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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