The Last Of Us star Bella Ramsey has opened up about their friendship with Pedro Pescal and more in a major new interview.
READ MORE: Here’s what we know about ‘The Last Of Us’ season two
Speaking to British Vogue, Ramsey talked about the upcoming second season of the HBO post-apocalyptic drama, and shared that their co-star Pedro Pascal is saved as ‘Pedge’ in their phone. They said: “I hate calling him Pedro. It feels so formal.”
Pascal also spoke to Vogue of his experience working with Ramsey. He said: “Bella is a soul partner at work and in life. [They’re] the most empathetic actor I’ve worked with.
“You have to be careful not to forget, at least then, that they are navigating an early chapter of work and of life, because you instantly feel under their care and understanding.”
Based on the best-selling video game, the first season of The Last Of Us was released to critical acclaim in 2023. It received a four-star review from NME, with Alex Flood writing: “It’s about the moving relationship at its core, powered here by Pascal and Ramsey’s fizzing chemistry. Joel is simple on the surface yet hides boiling emotion underneath. He’s Clint Eastwood for the PS5 generation.
“Ramsey, 19, displays surprising range for their age, as Ellie bounces from traumatised teen to bubbly class clown and back in seconds. With their sarcastic wit and sassy putdowns, they add much-needed levity to the show – and, at times, carry it completely.”
Ramsey also revealed for the first time that they were diagnosed with autism whilst shooting season one of the hit show. They described the diagnosis as “freeing”, and said: “It enables me to walk through the world with more grace towards myself about not being able to do the easy everyday tasks that everyone else seems to be able to do.”
They also talked about how it has contributed to developing their acting craft – something they’ve spoken about in relation to their neurodivergence before. They said: “I’ve always been watching and learning from people. Having to learn more manually how to socialise and interact with the people around me has helped me with acting.
“My experience of moving through the world is as an autistic person. There’s no reason for people not to know.”
The star is also non-binary, coming out during an interview with The New York Times in 2023. Comparing this with their autism diagnosis, they said: “The label of being autistic has been so helpful to me because that’s helped me to understand myself, but gender and sexuality-wise, labels do not feel comfy for me in any capacity, because I feel like I’m putting myself into a box. I feel trapped.”
Back in 2023, Ramsey called for “more space” for non-binary actors at awards shows, and spoke about their “uncomfortable” experience submitting themselves for nomination at the Emmys.
Season 2 of The Last Of Us sees Pascal and Ramsey return as Joel and Ellie respectively. Booksmart’s Kaitlyn Dever is joining the cast as Abby Anderson, a playable character from the game, alongside Alien: Romulus’ Isabela Merced as Ellie’s friend and love interest Dina.
The Last Of Us is back on Sky Atlantic and NOW from April 14.