In a candid interview with The Guardian published on April 20, 2025, Bella Ramsey, the 21-year-old star of HBO’s The Last of Us, opened up about their complex feelings surrounding their 2023 public announcement of identifying as non-binary. The British actor, known for their role as Ellie in the critically acclaimed series, revealed that while coming out was ultimately liberating, it came with unforeseen challenges that led to moments of regret. Ramsey’s reflections offer a poignant glimpse into the pressures of navigating personal identity under the scrutiny of fame.

Ramsey first shared their non-binary identity during the promotion of The Last of Us’ first season in January 2023, stating they are genderfluid and prefer they/them pronouns, though they remain relaxed about pronoun usage. At the time, the announcement was met with both support and backlash, particularly from online communities critical of the show’s inclusive themes. Ramsey admitted to The Guardian that they were naive about the scale of attention their disclosure would attract. “Part of me looks back and I wish that I didn’t, because I didn’t want it to become a headline and a big thing,” they said. “And obviously it was going to, and I didn’t really understand that at the time.”

The actor’s decision to come out was driven by a desire to live authentically, free from the burden of concealing their identity. They described the relief of no longer “keeping a secret,” which allowed them to exist more openly. However, the public reaction was a “mixed bag,” as Ramsey put it, with significant trolling from those who opposed the inclusion of LGBTQ+ narratives in The Last of Us. This negativity compounded existing criticism Ramsey faced from some fans of the video game, who argued the actor didn’t resemble the character Ellie closely enough. The convergence of these pressures took a toll, prompting Ramsey to deactivate their social media accounts in April 2024 to protect their mental health.

Ramsey’s experience highlights the unique challenges faced by young public figures navigating identity in the digital age. The actor, who also revealed an autism diagnosis during the filming of The Last of Us’ first season, spoke of the difficulty of exploring personal milestones without the privacy most people take for granted. “I don’t have the privilege of exploring my identity in private,” they told The Observer, underscoring the relentless scrutiny that accompanies fame. Despite these challenges, Ramsey remains committed to authenticity, even as they express a desire for their identity to no longer dominate public discourse. “I’ll talk about it, but I don’t want it to be the focus anymore,” they said.

The actor’s reflections come amid a wave of professional milestones. Ramsey recently made history as the first non-binary actor to be honored with a wax figure at Madame Tussauds London, set to be unveiled later in 2025. They have also been lauded for their performance in The Last of Us’ second season, which premiered on April 13, 2025, and continues to draw critical acclaim. Off-screen, Ramsey advocates for inclusivity, calling for non-binary award categories to better recognize gender-diverse talent in the entertainment industry.

Ramsey’s story resonates with many, particularly young people seeking representation in mainstream media. Their openness has inspired countless fans, even as they grapple with the personal costs of public vulnerability. In their interview, Ramsey expressed hope for a future where gender labels are less scrutinized, allowing individuals to exist without the weight of headlines. “I’m just quite chill with it,” they said, reflecting a grounded perspective despite the complexities of their journey.

As Ramsey continues to navigate fame, their reflections serve as a reminder of the courage required to live authentically in the public eye. While they may regret the intensity of the spotlight that followed their announcement, Ramsey’s decision to come out has undeniably contributed to broader conversations about gender and representation. Their journey underscores the importance of creating spaces where diverse identities are celebrated, not sensationalized, allowing figures like Ramsey to thrive both personally and professionally without the burden of undue scrutiny.