With a season full of dramatic action and emotional drama, Bella Ramsey, who plays their part in The Last of Us, had their toughest acting role to date. During the third episode of season two, Ramsey confirmed that the scene where Ellie bursts into tears over Joel’s (Pedro Pascal) jacket was the most difficult to shoot. Though they did a great job in both stunts and dramatic scenes, Ramsey owned up to still being a difficult challenge in crying on demand. “Oh God, in the closet, that was the hardest [scene],” said 21-year-old Emmy nominee, adding that they don’t actually cry often in everyday life, so it’s “virtually impossible” on set.
Rather than dipping into the traumatic experiences, Ramsey drew from the happy recollections they have with co-star Pedro Pascal during season one. “The thing that is always the saddest for me is remembering the happy things,” Ramsey said, recounting that the laughter and connection with Pascal were what brought the intense grief Ellie experiences after Joel’s loss to the surface.
“What died didn’t stay dead, what died didn’t stay dead, you’re alive, you’re alive in my head” #TheLastOfUsSeason2 #TLOUS2 #TheLastOfUs2 pic.twitter.com/uSidqCkGxv
— Camila D (@cami1023ds) April 28, 2025
Ramsey also reflected on their real-life friendship with Pascal, describing it as bittersweet. “We’ll be in each other’s lives forever, and we’ll be in each other’s hearts forever,” they expressed, emphasizing the lasting connection forged through the show.
Stepping Into a Leadership Role
With Joel’s death, Ramsey now takes the lead in the show a role they’ve embraced with great care. Although they admitted that leadership doesn’t come naturally to them, Ramsey is dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere on set. “Everybody should know they’re valued as a crewmember, as a castmember, and that we’re all equals,” they stressed.
placing coffee beans onto joel’s grave so he’ll never be without a cup again oh i can’t do this…#TheLastOfUsSeason2 pic.twitter.com/H28034twgZ
— teddy | TLOU SPOILERS (@B3ARZATTO) April 28, 2025
As The Last of Us continues to delve into dark themes of loss and survival, Ramsey’s impassioned performance and leadership cut through, with even more intense moments to come.
