Bella Ramsey (‘The Last of Us’) Speaks Out on Autism, Body Image, and Hollywood’s Environmental Impact
*Bella Ramsey, rising star and advocate, graces the latest digital cover of The Hollywood Reporter. The piece is part of the fourth annual Sustainability Issue, focusing on voices pushing for change. With climate goals slipping and Hollywood’s environmental failings more transparent, Ramsey’s insights matter deeply. Known for their role in HBO’s “The Last of Us,” Ramsey speaks openly about their experiences with autism, body image, and the entertainment industry’s sustainability issues.
Filming Challenges with Autism
Playing Ellie in “The Last of Us” presents unique challenges for Ramsey, who navigates set life with autism. Bella shared, “I’d have to make light of it on set because otherwise I was going to go insane. We’d say, ‘Oh, I’m tweaking.’ I had to try and pretend that it wasn’t happening and distract myself.” Despite these hardships, Ramsey’s dedication shines as they connect deeply with the character of Ellie.
Body Image Pressures
Training for Season 2 of “The Last of Us,” Ramsey discovered body image pressures, feeling compelled to match Ellie’s game counterpart. “I was fixated on the way that Ellie looks in the game and the muscle definition in her arms,” Ramsey said. The pressure to align with a digital persona challenged their acceptance of their own body. “But my body type isn’t that. It was a challenge to let myself off the hook for not looking computer-generated,” Ramsey admits.
Questioning Roles in Storytelling
Craig Mazin, the showrunner for “The Last of Us,” highlights the series’ deeper message. He states, “The point of this story is that the entire concept of a protagonist is flawed. The entire concept of a villain is flawed. Our way of processing the world through heroes and villains is a mistake. It ends up creating these barriers between people that shouldn’t be there.” This perspective connects with Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie, challenging traditional narratives and encouraging empathy and understanding.
Favorite Co-Star Moments
Ramsey developed strong bonds with their co-stars on set. When asked who they’d choose to be stuck in an elevator with, Ramsey’s pick was immediate: “Pedro.” This simple yet revealing choice highlights the camaraderie and respect cultivated among the cast.
Hollywood’s Sustainability Blind Spots
Despite their success, Ramsey remains critical of Hollywood’s environmental practices. They note, “I come to L.A. and I see fridges full of plastic water bottles and I’m like, ‘What are you doing?’ It’s bizarre to me.” Ramsey’s observation underscores the industry’s ongoing struggle to align its glamorous image with responsible environmental stewardship.
A True Changemaker
Ramsey’s openness about their experiences, both personal and professional, offers a fresh perspective in Hollywood. Without conforming to societal expectations, Ramsey stands as a beacon of authenticity, advocating for representation and change. Their journey reflects both their personal struggles and triumphs in a constantly evolving industry landscape.
Looking Forward
As Bella Ramsey continues to captivate audiences with their powerful roles and candid insights, they also contribute to broader conversations about activism, representation, and sustainability.
Their authenticity and advocacy inspire many and demand a more inclusive and responsible future in entertainment.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Ben Stiller and Industry Voices Slam ‘Sinners’ Box Office Criticism
We Publish Breaking News 24/7. Don’t Miss Out! Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
The post Bella Ramsey (‘The Last of Us’) Speaks Out on Autism, Body Image, and Hollywood’s Environmental Impact appeared first on EURweb.
