Bella Ramsey has shared that they were diagnosed with autism while filming Season 1 of HBO’s The Last of Us, and it just makes us love them even more.
In an interview with British Vogue, the Emmy-nominated actor revealed that a crew member who had a neurodivergent child noticed similarities in Ramsey’s behaviour. That observation set off a journey that led to their official autism diagnosis, clearing up things they had “always wondered” about.
“I’ve spoken a bit about neurodivergence before, but I always for some reason didn’t want to… I felt like I didn’t want to say what it was… Shoot,” Ramsey admitted. “I got diagnosed with autism when I was filming Season 1 of The Last of Us.”
For Ramsey, the revelation was a key to understanding themself. From struggling with sensory issues on set (thermals and heavy outerwear in the freezing cold? Yeah, nah) to feeling out of place at school, their diagnosis helped explain so much. More importantly, it gave them the freedom to unmask. “My experience of moving through the world is as an autistic person. There’s no reason for people not to know,” they said.
It’s a sentiment that will resonate with so many neurodivergent people, especially those who, like Ramsey, grew up masking their traits without fully realising why. It takes serious guts to come forward about something so personal, particularly in an industry that still doesn’t quite know how to accommodate neurodivergent actors.
They also spoke about how their autism actually helps them as an actor. That “painful hyperawareness” of other people’s micro-expressions and body language? Turns out, it’s a secret weapon for portraying characters. “I’ve always been watching and learning from people. Having to learn more manually how to socialise and interact with the people around me has helped me with acting.”
Beyond that, they find the structure of being on set really helpful. “I have a call time, and I’m told what to wear, how to stand, where to stand, and what to eat.” Same, friend. Routine is everything.
Ramsey has been open about their neurodivergence before, previously telling The Independent: “I wouldn’t be an actor if it wasn’t for my neurodivergence. It’s just a part of me and it’s incredibly helpful in terms of acting.”
The Last of Us may be huge, but it’s Ramsey’s real-life story that’s got us cheering. Autistic representation matters not just in the characters we see on screen but in the people who bring them to life.
So, from one neurodivergent space to another: Bella, we see you, we celebrate you, and we’re so bloody grateful for you.
Stay unruly, folks.
