Key Takeaways:
- Bella Ramsey opens up about her complicated feelings toward fame.
- The ‘Last of Us’ star shares how notoriety naturally fades if not pursued.
- She also reflects on living alone for the first time outside of work.
- A message of reassurance for young actors navigating sudden fame.
Bella Ramsey Reflects on Fame, Fear, and Finding Solitude
Bella Ramsey, the breakout star from Game of Thrones and The Last of Us, recently got candid about her relationship with fame—and it’s far from glamorous. In an exclusive interview with Interview Magazine, the 21-year-old actress revealed she has “never really enjoyed” being in the spotlight, describing fame as something she’s simply learned to accept rather than chase.
“It’s always felt quite trivial, and I’ve never really enjoyed it,” Bella shared. “But I can just accept I’m going to go and do it, it’ll be what it will be, and then it will be done.”
For Ramsey, fame wasn’t an exciting prospect but a daunting one. She admitted she was “terrified” to accept the role of Ellie in The Last of Us due to the massive exposure it would bring.
Why Bella Ramsey Was Afraid to Embrace ‘The Last of Us’ Fame
Taking on a lead role in a critically acclaimed series can be career-defining. However, for Ramsey, the decision was shadowed by a real fear of irreversible fame.
“I was so terrified of signing on to ‘The Last of Us’ and the idea of reaching a level of fame that doesn’t go away, not being able to backtrack from that,” she said.
Fortunately, her experience taught her a valuable lesson: fame isn’t always permanent. Bella explained that while the attention surges during a show’s release, it eventually fades—especially if you don’t seek to maintain it.
“You reach this level of fame that stays for a few months while the show’s coming out, and then it does sort of die off. If you don’t do anything to maintain that level of fame, the world moves on, which I’m so grateful for,” she added.
This perspective offers a refreshing counterpoint to the high-pressure world of entertainment, where many professionals feel the need to stay perpetually relevant.
Living Alone: A New Chapter for Bella Ramsey
Outside the entertainment world, Ramsey is embracing another personal milestone: living alone for the first time, without the temporary nature of being away for filming.
“I lived alone during season two in Vancouver, but this is my first time living alone where I’m not away somewhere for work,” she explained.
Previously, she shared living spaces with housemates but found solo living suits her much better—despite occasional loneliness.
“I did live with a few housemates before, and I much prefer living alone. It can be lonely, but now I’ve found friends in London close by, which is helpful.”
While adjusting, Ramsey noted the challenge of forging new friendships as many of her peers already have established social circles.
“A lot of my friends are older than me and already have their lives and their friends that they’ve had since they were young, so I’m kind of on the outskirts of their life and their friend groups. It’s nice to have people around who are a similar age to me. Less lonely, for sure.”
Lessons for Aspiring Entertainment Professionals
Bella Ramsey’s story offers important insights for aspiring actors, filmmakers, and creatives:
- Fame is not the destination. It’s a byproduct, not the goal.
- It’s okay to fear success. Taking a leap can be terrifying, but it can also be transformative.
- Solitude can foster growth. Living alone helped Ramsey find independence and clarity.
For entertainment professionals navigating their own journeys, Ramsey’s experience serves as a reassuring reminder: it’s possible to thrive without losing yourself to the fame game.
Final Thoughts
Bella Ramsey’s honesty about the realities of fame and solitude paints an inspiring picture for anyone striving to break into the entertainment industry. Instead of being consumed by notoriety, she shows that it’s possible to pursue passion projects, protect personal boundaries, and build a meaningful life outside the spotlight.
