Bella Ramsey on Growing Up On-Set

Bella Ramsey: The Journey from ‘Game of Thrones’ to ‘The Last of Us’ and Beyond

What does it mean to grow up under the unrelenting gaze of the public eye? For Bella Ramsey, the English actor who first captured hearts in the epic fantasy series Game of Thrones, this has become a central theme in their life and work. Now 21, Ramsey walks a tightrope of ambition and authenticity as they dive into the deep emotional landscapes of their characters, particularly Ellie in HBO’s gripping adaptation of The Last of Us.

The Challenge of Authenticity in Representation

As a non-binary actor openly discussing their diagnosis of autism, Bella Ramsey stands at a unique intersection of representation, and their experiences resonate throughout the narrative of The Last of Us. The series explores complex themes of survival, loss, and identity against a dystopian backdrop populated by zombie-like creatures. However, at its core, the story is equally about human relationships, especially the tender but strained bond between Ellie and Joel, played by Pedro Pascal.

A Growing Dynamic

The relationship between Ellie and Joel undergoes significant transformation in the second season, reflecting Bella’s own growth as a person. “When we meet Ellie again, obviously there’s tension in that relationship,” Ramsey explains. This tension stems not only from the high-stakes environment but from a moral conflict that remains unresolved, leaving viewers to grapple with questions of sacrifice, love, and trust.

The Exploration of Queer Narratives

The Last of Us also courageously explores queer relationships, particularly Ellie’s dynamic with Dina, played by Isabella Merced. “It feels like it’s just a part of the story,” Bella highlights, emphasizing the need for authentic portrayals that resonate with real-life experiences. As media continues to evolve in depicting LGBTQ+ characters, particularly within mainstream narratives, Bella’s portrayal stands out as effortless, emboldening a generation to embrace their identities.

Addressing Stigmas and Stereotypes

In managing their platform, Bella seeks to dispel misconceptions associated with autism. “There shouldn’t be such a stigma,” they assert passionately. This message aligns with their ambition to portray characters that reflect diverse human experiences, proving that representation can foster understanding and acceptance.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights: The Impact of Industry Changes

Yet, while Bella has emerged as a voice of a new generation, the industry itself is undergoing significant shifts. The Hollywood strikes of 2023 disrupted schedule, leading to delays in production and ultimately affecting the character arcs portrayed on screen. During this time, Bella expressed, “I feel like I’m stepping back into a character but with kind of new revelations about her and about me in my own life.” Such statements reflect not only an actor’s journey but a collective industry narrative on resilience and renewal.

Hollywood’s Growing Pains

The recent strikes highlight how industry professionals are advocating for better working conditions, fair pay, and a commitment to diversity. As a result, the narrative shared through productions like The Last of Us has become richer and more impactful, paving the way for inclusive storytelling that resonates with audiences around the globe.

Where to Go from Here? The Future Landscape for Queer Narratives

With a third season already confirmed, Bella anticipates that their character, Ellie, alongside others, will continue evolving. The landscape for queer narratives is promising, not only because of the series’ success but also due to the growing acceptance within the industry of stories that take into account a wide range of human experiences. “I feel grateful for that,” they share regarding their public journey, acknowledging both the challenges and the catharsis that comes with bringing authenticity to the screen.

The Pros and Cons of Growing Up in the Spotlight

This quest for genuine representation carries its own weight. While Bella feels their growth is “immortalised on-screen,” they are also acutely aware of the scrutiny and expectations that accompany such visibility. “The more that you grow up, you just realise how little you know, I think,” they admit, hinting at the universal challenges faced by young actors.

A Broader Discussion: Mental Health and Media Representation

The conversation surrounding mental health in the context of representation is increasingly relevant. Just as Bella expresses the nuances of their own identity and journey, it’s crucial to reflect on how media shapes perceptions. Films and series that integrate discussions about mental health, identity, and survival can provide meaningful narratives that the audience can connect with.

Creating Safe Spaces

Furthermore, the production team behind The Last of Us has taken measures to ensure a supportive environment for all its cast members. This includes both mental health resources and a culture that encourages storytelling from a place of empowerment, allowing actors like Bella Ramsey to craft authentic narratives that engage audiences on multiple levels.

Looking Back to Move Forward: Lessons from the Past

Ultimately, as The Last of Us returns for another season, Bella Ramsey represents a new breed of actor—a storyteller whose life journey contributes depth to their craft. As the series explores themes of survival, acceptance, and redemption, it reflects a world that is slowly beginning to embrace the complexity of human experiences. With the current landscape changing rapidly, it’s exciting to imagine where Bella’s journey will lead them next.

Bold Innovations and Evolving Narratives

As we continue to witness growth and evolution in the entertainment industry, there is much hope for more innovative storytelling, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ narratives. Viewers and creators alike will benefit from stories that are told with authenticity, empathy, and understanding, pointing to a future where all voices are heard and valued. As Bella underscores the need for genuine representation, the audience stands ready to embrace these narratives that challenge, inspire, and resonate deeply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bella Ramsey’s role in The Last of Us?

Bella Ramsey plays Ellie, a character who is key to the plot as humanity’s last hope in a post-apocalyptic world.

How does The Last of Us explore LGBTQ+ themes?

The series portrays sibling-like relationships and romantic connections, most notably between Ellie and her love interest, Dina, with authenticity and depth.

What impact have the Hollywood strikes had on The Last of Us?

The strikes led to delays in production, but they also opened discussions on fair working conditions in the industry, impacting narratives moving forward.

Why is representation important in media?

Representation fosters understanding and acceptance, allowing audiences to connect with diverse characters and narratives that reflect their realities and experiences.

Conclusion: Shaping Stories for Tomorrow

As Bella Ramsey and The Last of Us continue to evolve, their journey serves as a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling. Authentic portrayals can reshape narratives—working not only to entertain but also to educate and inspire future generations of activists, artists, and thinkers.

Bella Ramsey, “The Last of Us,” and the Power of Authentic Portrayal: An Interview with Media Expert Dr. Vivian Holloway

Time.news sits down with Dr.Vivian Holloway, a leading expert in media representation and its impact on society, to discuss Bella Ramsey’s journey, the importance of The Last of us in portraying diverse narratives, and the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.

Time.news: Dr. Holloway, thanks for joining us.Bella Ramsey has become a prominent figure, not only for their acting but also for their authenticity.How does their openness about being non-binary and discussing their autism diagnosis affect the entertainment industry?

Dr. Holloway: It’s genuinely transformative. Bella Ramsey’s journey, from Game of Thrones to The Last of Us, highlights the importance of authentic representation.By openly sharing their experiences,they’re challenging norms and inspiring countless individuals. It’s not just about representation for the sake of it; it’s about fostering understanding and acceptance, dismantling stigmas, especially surrounding autism, as Bella passionately advocates.

Time.news: The Last of Us is praised for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships, specifically Ellie’s relationship with Dina. What makes this portrayal impactful?

Dr. Holloway: The Last of Us handles queer narratives with a refreshing normalcy. As Bella Ramsey pointed out, it feels like “just a part of the story.” This approach destigmatizes LGBTQ+ relationships and reflects real-life experiences. it moves beyond tokenism and allows the characters’ relationships to evolve organically, contributing depth and authenticity to the overall narrative. This kind of representation is crucial for fostering empathy and understanding in a broader audience.

Time.news: The article mentions the 2023 Hollywood strikes and their impact on productions,including The Last of Us.How did these strikes influence the narratives being told?

Dr. Holloway: The strikes were a pivotal moment for the entertainment industry.Beyond the immediate delays and production challenges, they sparked vital conversations about fair working conditions, fair pay, and a commitment to diversity. Actors, writers, and all industry professionals were advocating for more inclusive and equitable storytelling. So when productions resume in the long term, we can see more narratives from different backgrounds and be more meaningful.

Time.news: Bella Ramsey expresses a growing awareness of the scrutiny that comes with growing up in the spotlight. What advice would you give to young actors navigating the pressures of fame?

Dr. Holloway: It’s essential for young actors,like bella,to prioritize their mental health and well-being. Creating a strong support system, including family, friends, and mental health professionals, is crucial. It’s also important to remember that their worth isn’t defined by public opinion or social media metrics. Find creative outlets beyond acting,develop a clear sense of personal values,and remain grounded in their identity. Having saeid that, Bella continues to thrive, so it helps to have a strong sense of who she is already.

Time.news: How has media representation of mental health evolved and how can we ensure more sensitive and accurate portrayals in the future?

Dr. Holloway: We’ve made progress, but there’s still work to be done. Media needs to move beyond stereotypical portrayals and show the complexities and nuances of mental health conditions. This requires consulting with mental health professionals, listening to lived experiences, and avoiding sensationalism. Creating safe spaces on set, as The Last of Us production team has reportedly done, is also vital. More importantly,films need to integrate discussions about mindsets.

Time.news: What are your hopes for the future of queer narratives in media, especially considering the success and impact of shows like The last of Us?

Dr. Holloway: My hope is that queer narratives will continue to become more commonplace, integrated seamlessly into mainstream storytelling.We need stories that celebrate the diversity of human experiences, told with authenticity, empathy, and understanding. Series like The Last of Us demonstrate that audiences are hungry for these narratives. This encourages the industry to invest in a wider range of diverse stories. Also, series with a wide range of human experiences will challenge, inspire and resonate deeply with the audience.

Time.news: Any final thoughts for our readers?

Dr. Holloway: Remember to critically engage with the media you consume. Support productions that prioritize authentic representation and challenge harmful stereotypes. By amplifying diverse voices and demanding more inclusive storytelling, we can help shape a more equitable and understanding world. Actors like Bella Ramsey contribute depth to storytelling, and the series shows growth and evolution in the entertainment industry.