New Delhi, May 14 – British actor Bella Ramsey, known for their breakout role in Game of Thrones and the lead role in The Last of Us, shared insights into their decade-long journey in acting, evolving from a child star into a critically acclaimed performer.
Starting their career at the age of 11, Ramsey rose to fame portraying the fierce Lyanna Mormont in HBO’s Game of Thrones. Now 21, Ramsey plays Ellie in The Last of Us, a post-apocalyptic drama that has captivated global audiences.
A Journey Rooted in Unexpected Passion
“I was 11 when I started on Game of Thrones, and now I’m 21. So I’ve been doing this for 10 years,” said Ramsey in a group interview. Reflecting on the journey, they admitted, “I didn’t even know that I wanted [a career in acting] until it started happening.”Grateful for the role that launched their career, Ramsey credited Game of Thrones as the catalyst for opportunities that followed. “It set me up for the rest of this career that I didn’t know was going to happen,” they said.
Gaining Confidence and Perspective
Ramsey, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, said their understanding of filmmaking has evolved over the years. This growth has brought a sense of self-assurance and helped them be more forgiving of their own performance.“I’ve become maybe more self-assured… If one scene I’m like at 95 per cent and not at 100 per cent, it’s okay. It’s like 20 seconds in an entire series,” they explained, adding that deeper insight into the process has improved their craft.
The Evolution of Ellie in Season 2
In The Last of Us, which premiered in 2023 and is now streaming on JioHotstar in India, Ramsey stars alongside Pedro Pascal, a fellow Game of Thrones alum. The series, created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, is based on the popular video game of the same name.The second season picks up five years after the first, with Ellie navigating an increasingly perilous world. “She has even more of this protective energy over herself and the people around her. She is establishing her independence,” Ramsey noted.
They also observed subtle personal changes reflected in their portrayal of Ellie. “I think my voice got a bit deeper… Ellie’s growing up and has become a bit more gruff,” Ramsey said.
Real-Life Parallels and Emotional Depth
Filming for season one took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding a haunting layer of realism to the series' apocalyptic setting. “There was an apocalypse going on. The show was mimicking an aspect of real life,” Ramsey said.While the show is marked by violence and horror, they emphasized that its emotional core is what resonates with viewers. “In season two, the post-apocalyptic-ness is very much the backdrop for this really human and emotional story,” they said.
Expanding Horizons
With aspirations beyond acting, Ramsey expressed interest in exploring other areas of filmmaking. “I want to explore all the other ventures within the film industry,” they shared.The Last of Us features a talented ensemble cast including Gabriel Luna, Rutina Wesley, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Ariela Barer, Tati Gabrielle, Spencer Lord, Danny Ramirez, and Jeffrey Wright. The series is produced by PlayStation Productions, Word Games, Mighty Mint, and Naughty Dog.
