Despite being an exceptional performer, Bella Ramsey struggled to find acting roles before their breakthrough as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us. The reasons behind this difficulty were unrelated to their talent, which makes it even more surprising. Nevertheless, Bella persisted and eventually landed the role that propelled them to stardom.
Bella Ramsey, who identifies as non-binary and has no preference for pronouns, achieved recognition for their role as Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones, where they acted alongside Pedro Pascal, who would later be their co-star in The Last of Us. Ramsey’s depiction of Lyanna on Game of Thrones was remarkable, but their acting in The Last of Us as Ellie elevated them to a higher level of recognition. However, this could have been derailed if Bella had not overcome significant obstacles earlier in their acting career.
Twitter user @sourkettle recently posted an interview where Bella Ramsey discussed being turned down for a role due to their appearance not conforming to the “Hollywood look,” despite the director’s appreciation of their acting skills. This experience led Bella to ponder the significance of beauty standards in the entertainment industry. However, their successful performances in Game of Thrones and The Last of Us may suggest that traditional beauty standards are becoming less relevant in the industry.
bella ramsey saying they didn’t get casted in a project because they didn’t have the “Hollywood look” makes me feel so sad pic.twitter.com/JY564J0XS6
— kettle ༂ (@sourkettle) March 25, 2023
Despite facing arbitrary rejections in the past, Bella Ramsey persevered and established themselves as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Unfortunately, some individuals continue to make unfair and negative comments about their appearance. A vocal minority of The Last of Us fans have criticized Bella’s casting as Ellie in the series, citing differences between their arrival and Ellie’s in-game model from the original game. These criticisms have been expressed in a non-constructive and hurtful manner. In a recent GQ interview, Bella shared how they actively sought out toxic comments from fans, despite the emotional pain it caused. They also admitted to using humor to cope with the situation.
Bella Ramsey’s support from fans and co-star Pedro Pascal has been a critical factor in their success in the entertainment industry. Pascal’s unwavering support for Ramsey’s non-binary identity, possibly influenced by his trans sister, has been particularly noteworthy. In a recent interview, Ramsey spoke candidly about their conversations with Pascal, which covered various topics related to gender and identity. Their friendship was founded on honesty and openness, allowing them to engage in deep discussions while being lighthearted and humorous. Ramsey emphasized the inclusive nature of their company, which allowed for a wide range of topics to be discussed without judgment.
Bella Ramsey’s trajectory in the entertainment industry highlights the significance of having a robust and reliable support system and an unyielding self-belief. Despite experiencing rejection based on their appearance, Ramsey persevered and eventually triumphed in their career, gaining recognition for their remarkable acting abilities. It illustrates the importance of standing up against biased perspectives and refusing to allow them to impede one’s potential or self-worth. Ramsey’s journey is a testament to the powerful impact of a positive outlook and a nurturing environment, which can foster incredible accomplishments. It is hoped that Ramsey will continue to excel and attain further achievements in their professional endeavors.
Ramsey’s success in the entertainment industry also inspires people who identify as non-binary or have been marginalized due to their appearance or identity. Their courage and resilience serve as a beacon of hope and a reminder that societal standards or preconceived notions do not determine one’s worth.
Ramsey’s openness and honesty about their gender identity and their conversations with Pedro Pascal on related topics also contribute to the ongoing discourse on gender representation and inclusivity in the entertainment industry.
Furthermore, Ramsey’s positive impact extends beyond their acting talent, as they have also used their platform to support various social causes. For instance, Ramsey has spoken out against online bullying and advocated for mental health awareness, promoting positivity and kindness. It demonstrates that their success has allowed them to fulfill their professional aspirations and make a positive difference.