Bella Ramsey Gets Candid About Embracing Autism Diagnosis And Overcoming Eating Disorder Between Seasons Of The Last Of Us

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Bella Ramsey has had an impressive career in various high-impact productions. They first gained recognition as Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones, and more recently, they’ve joined the cast of HBO’s The Last of Us, with its second season slated for April 2025. Playing characters that fight giants or zombies might seem easy compared to the real-life challenges Ramsey has faced. During the breaks between seasons of The Last of Us, this English actor opened up about their experiences after receiving an autism diagnosis and overcoming an eating disorder.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’ve always been open about my gender fluidity and the deep appreciation I have for the queer representation in shows like “The Last of Us,” particularly in the character Ellie and its LGBTQ+ storylines. Before the second season kicked off filming, I found myself immersed in another television project, BBC’s “Time.”

However, my involvement with “The Last of Us” didn’t take a break during that gap between seasons. In fact, I used that time to delve deeper into understanding myself better. In an interview with British Vogue, I shared a fascinating self-discovery from filming Season 1 – a newfound love for routines that helped illuminate why I find comfort in structure and order.

Previously, I’ve touched upon the topic of neurodivergence, yet I’ve never felt quite comfortable delving deeper into it… I’ve always had this hesitation about discussing it specifically… Darn, you see, during the production of The Last of Us’ first season, I was actually diagnosed with autism.

During Bella Ramsey’s time shooting “The Last of Us” in Canada, a crew member who had an autistic daughter speculated that Ramsey might also be on the spectrum. This idea resonated with Ramsey as they began to question if this diagnosis could apply to them. They shared feelings of not fitting in among their school peers and struggles with sensory issues, both common traits found in those with autism. Additionally, Ramsey often felt uncomfortable wearing heavy clothing while filming in the cold Canadian wilderness, another potential sign.

Following a crew member’s presumption, Bella Ramsey sought and underwent a professional psychiatric evaluation. This process ultimately resulted in an official autism diagnosis for Ramsey. Despite the difficulties that come with autism, Ramsey expressed that this diagnosis was liberating, providing a clearer understanding of their behaviors. Additionally, it has proven to be advantageous for those pursuing acting careers.

Over the years, I’ve been observing and absorbing from people, particularly learning the nuances of socializing and communication which have been instrumental in my acting career. When it comes to my job, I receive specific instructions such as when to arrive, what to wear, how to position myself, where to stand, and even what to eat. This structured environment allows me to navigate the world with greater poise, accepting that there are tasks that others seem to find effortless which I may find challenging.

Acting in “Catherine Called Birdy” involves a regular schedule, with specific times for entrances, preparation, rehearsals, filming, and other tasks. It can be daunting to decipher the unique behaviors and aspects that come with it. Bella Ramsey shared that being labeled as autistic was advantageous in understanding themselves, speaking about it casually and at ease. It seems as if a significant burden has been alleviated from their shoulders by accepting their identity.

Besides having been diagnosed with autism, Bella Ramsey had battled anorexia for some time following the completion of Season 1 of The Last of Us. During this period, they received therapeutic guidance that suggested using screenwriting as a means to conquer their eating disorder.

In addition to being autistic, Bella Ramsey faced anorexia issues after wrapping up Season 1 of The Last of Us. As they sought help, their therapist proposed an innovative solution for dealing with their eating disorder – screenwriting.

In order to make my struggle more apparent, I felt the need to express myself physically rather than verbally, as I found it incredibly challenging to articulate my feelings with words.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate the power of film in expressing emotions that are difficult to put into words. Movies and TV shows can be potent tools for actors to convey to viewers the complexities of eating disorders, challenging stereotypes and fostering important discussions. Brittany Snow, in her directorial debut, Parachute, powerfully portrayed her own struggles with eating disorders. Similarly, Troian Bellisario, a star from ‘Pretty Little Liars’, took the initiative by not only acting but also writing and co-producing Feed. This compelling production tells the story of a girl who develops an eating disorder after losing her twin, drawing on Bellisario’s own real-life experiences.

Bella Ramsey’s upcoming script, titled “Toast and Jam“, is based on a habit they indulged in every evening – enjoying a tasty meal. This comforting routine was not only a delight but also played a significant role in boosting their self-esteem, helping them conquer their eating disorder by alleviating the guilt associated with eating. The Primetime Emmy nominee attributed this yummy habit as a key factor in their recovery process.

It seemed that returning to film ‘The Last of Us’ might be tough, but then Bella Ramsey revealed they had been diagnosed with autism and were dealing with an eating disorder. However, the resilient actor handled these situations admirably. Ramsey, much like the strong character they portray on screen, faces challenges fearlessly and openly discusses their experiences to help reduce the stigma associated with autism and eating disorders.

The second season of “The Last of Us” debuts on HBO on April 13th. In the meantime, why not catch up by streaming the first season through your Max membership?

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2025-03-21 13:39