Bella Ramsey Reveals Autism Diagnosis After Crew Member Noticed Signs!
Bella Ramsey, the 21-year-old British actor who rose to fame for their roles in Game of Thrones and The Last of Us, has shared a deeply personal story about their recent autism diagnosis. In an exclusive interview with British Vogue, the star revealed how the diagnosis has been a liberating and transformative experience, helping them navigate both their personal life and their career.
The Road to Diagnosis
For many years, Ramsey, who identifies as non-binary, kept their neurodivergence under wraps. However, while filming the first season of The Last of Us in Canada, a conversation with a crew member helped them take the crucial step toward getting a formal diagnosis. The crew member, whose daughter had autism, noticed signs of neurodivergence in Ramsey and suggested they might also be autistic.
This comment sparked something in Ramsey, who had long suspected there was more to their experiences of feeling like an outsider. Ramsey shared, “I’ve always wondered about it, having felt a ‘weirdo’ and ‘loner’ in school.” Despite being hesitant to speak about it, they sought a psychiatric assessment, which ultimately led to their autism diagnosis.
The Impact of the Diagnosis
Ramsey has always felt different, but the formal diagnosis provided a sense of clarity and relief. For them, it was a “liberating” moment that allowed them to embrace their true self. Instead of trying to fit in or mask their neurodivergence, they now feel more empowered to be authentic.
The actor explained that the diagnosis has improved their acting skills as well. Having to learn how to socialize and interact with people in a manual way helped them better understand human behavior, which translates into their performances. Ramsey also mentioned how the structured nature of acting—being told when to arrive, what to wear, and what to do—feels comforting. “It’s freeing… It enables me to walk through the world with more grace towards myself,” they said.
This newfound confidence allows them to “unmask immediately” when interacting with others, which they described as a huge relief. “My experience of moving through the world is as an autistic person,” Ramsey explained, adding that there’s no reason for people not to know about it.
Challenges Along the Way
Although Ramsey’s career took off at a young age, the journey wasn’t without its struggles. They started acting at the age of 11, joining the Nottingham-based acting group Television Workshop before landing a role in Game of Thrones at 12. However, during their early teen years, Ramsey developed anorexia while playing Mildred in The Worst Witch series. They struggled for several years, trying to cope with the emotional turmoil in a way that was physical rather than verbal.
“I had this real need to, I think, show people in a physical way that I was struggling,” they recalled. This struggle with mental health is something Ramsey now feels more equipped to talk about, especially now that they’ve had time to process and reflect on their journey.
The Last of Us and a Bright Future
Ramsey’s breakout role as Ellie in The Last of Us has not only propelled them into international fame but also created a space for honest conversations about identity and mental health. In 2023, the show became one of HBO’s most-watched series in Europe, with nearly 40 million viewers tuning in. As Ramsey prepares for the second season, the anticipation is high for their return to the screen alongside co-lead Pedro Pascal.
Pedro, who has worked closely with Ramsey, praised them as a “soul partner at work and in life.” Their on-screen chemistry as Ellie and Joel in The Last of Us has been widely praised, and the upcoming season promises to deepen their bond.
A New Chapter
Bella Ramsey’s journey to self-acceptance and their openness about being autistic highlights the power of embracing one’s true identity. With the support of their colleagues and their growing confidence, Ramsey continues to break new ground in Hollywood. Their story is an inspiration for many, showing that embracing neurodivergence can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life—both personally and professionally.
As they prepare for the second season of The Last of Us, Ramsey is not just stepping into the shoes of Ellie again but also continuing to pave the way for neurodivergent individuals in the entertainment industry. Their bravery in sharing their experience serves as a reminder that authenticity is key to overcoming obstacles and thriving in the face of challenges.
