The rapidly rising star, Bella Ramsey, is already becoming one of the true defining faces of a new generation of actors. Either on and off-screen, they’ve recently been praised for their resilience, creativity and honesty as a non-binary icon! Since popping up on the scene as Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones, Ramsey has steadily worked their way to the top of the tree. The Last of Us has effectively made a mark in a way we can’t ignore.
Early Life and Family Background
Bella Ramsey (Isabella May Ramsey) was born in September 2003 in Nottingham, England, to a musical family. Alex Ramsey, the children’s father, is in finance and a trumpet player with a history in music, while their mother, whose name is not being revealed, worked as a physical education teacher but is now Bella’s 24/7 on-set guardian and biggest supporter. Bella has an older sister in the arts, and the family are all creative souls. For instance, car rides involve songs from Matilda the Musical and pop songs.
Ramsey’s journey into acting began remarkably early. They became a part of a drama group at the tender age of 3 and joined their sister theatre group to act at the age of 4. Their parents, who both invest in their children’s creative growth, were driving Bella’s career and finally pulled them out of performing arts school at the age of 12 so that they could study online and act.
Although Bella’s popularity is growing, she wants to be respectful to her family.
“My parents were so terrified that we just sort of kept everything very private, barely did any interviews,” Ramsey revealed. “We want to protect that part of our life.”
Education and Early Ambitions
Ramsey attended mainstream schools in Leicestershire but began struggling with happiness and comfort in standard education settings. By age 12, they transitioned to the online school King’s InterHigh, finding that flexible learning allowed a balance between their education and burgeoning acting career.
During their formative years, Bella explored art, music, and writing, often participating with local amateur theatre groups, notably Stagecoach Theatre Arts and Nottingham’s renowned Television Workshop, which provided the intense hands-on training and support needed for early auditions. Ramsey has credited these experiences for developing an authentic approach to performance:
“[The Workshop] teaches you to be and become. No pretending.”
Career Journey & Major Breakthroughs
Game of Thrones and Stardom
Bella Ramsey’s breakthrough came at age 11, when they landed the role of Lyanna Mormont in HBO’s global sensation Game of Thrones (2016–2019). Their portrayal, fierce, authoritative, and scene-stealing despite limited screen time, was immediately beloved by both fans and critics, with many dubbing Ramsey the breakout star of season 6.
The Worst Witch and Animation Success
Following Game of Thrones, Ramsey was cast as Mildred Hubble in the CBBC fantasy show The Worst Witch (2017–2020), winning the BAFTA Children’s Award for Young Performer and earning broad recognition among young audiences. Around the same time, they voiced the lead in Netflix’s Hilda (2018–2023), even contributing their own singing voice to the beloved animated series.
The Last of Us and Recent Success
In 2021, HBO cast Ramsey as Ellie in The Last of Us, a series adapted from the acclaimed video game. Starring alongside Pedro Pascal, Ramsey delivered an emotionally complex performance, navigating the traumas and hopes of a post-apocalyptic world. Their chemistry with Pascal and nuanced portrayal brought immense critical praise, resulting in a wave of award nominations, including a Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and more, making them the youngest double lead drama Emmy nominee in history by 2025.
Additionally, Ramsey appeared in critically acclaimed roles such as Kelsey Morgan in the BBC prison drama Time (2023), which won them the Royal Television Society Award for Female Supporting Actor, and starred as Catherine in the historical film Catherine Called Birdy (2022), earning a Critics’ Choice nod for Best Young Performer.
Other Recent and Upcoming Work
Ramsey’s other credits include leading voice roles in Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023), a standout performance in Resistance (2020), and appearances in Holmes and Watson, Judy, and Nancy. Upcoming projects include major roles in the feature films Sunny Dancer, Harmonia, and the Channel 4 drama series Maya (set for release in 2026).
Awards, Honours, and Achievements
- Game of Thrones: Widely acclaimed as a breakout child performer, gaining national and international recognition
- BAFTA Children’s Award: Best Young Performer in 2019 for The Worst Witch
- Royal Television Society Award: Female Supporting Actor for Time (2024)
- Primetime Emmy Awards: Twice nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (The Last of Us, 2023, 2025)
- Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Female Actor in a Television Series, Drama (The Last of Us, 2024)
- Critics’ Choice, Gotham, SAG, Queerty, and Pride Awards: Multiple wins and nominations across various categories for both film and television performances
All told, by mid-2025, Bella Ramsey has collected over 12 major wins and more than 30 nominations in global industry awards.
Controversies and Online Backlash
With stardom and visibility, Ramsey has also endured considerable online hate, primarily stemming from segments of internet fandom unhappy with their casting as Ellie in The Last of Us and from those targeting their non-binary identity. Some detractors criticised Ramsey’s looks or claimed they didn’t resemble the original video game character, often invoking transphobic, misogynistic, or otherwise prejudiced rhetoric.
Ramsey has handled this adversity with poise, at first attempting to stay in touch with fans online, but ultimately deciding to deactivate their social media accounts for mental health and well-being.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever had a negative reaction to something,” Ramsey reflected. “Eventually, I just got so sick of it, and it was more detrimental than helpful. I feel wonderful [being offline].”
Despite the hate, Ramsey is widely praised by critics and the industry for their authenticity, resilience, and exceptional acting talent.
Relationships and Personal Life
Bella Ramsey is openly non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. Known for keeping their private life discreet, they have gradually begun sharing more about their experience and identity, including struggles with anorexia and a recent diagnosis of autism, which they navigated while filming The Last of Us.
Regarding romantic relationships, Ramsey has confirmed that, while shooting the second season of The Last of Us, they were “properly in love” for the first time. Fans widely speculate about their close friendship and possible romance with actress Maisy Stella, fueled by affectionate public interactions and joint appearances, although neither has confirmed their relationship status outright.
Ramsey described their evolving sexual identity as:
“You never fully know who you are; it’s ever-evolving. But I certainly think that people have gathered that I’m not 100 per cent straight. I’m a little bit wavy, you know? That’s what I like to say.”
Net Worth and Income
As of March 2025, Bella Ramsey’s estimated net worth is $2 million, a figure fueled by top roles in Game of Thrones and The Last of Us, animation voice work, film projects, and brand endorsements. For The Last of Us, Ramsey reportedly earns about $70,000 per episode. Their net worth is expected to grow as they continue to land high-profile roles and endorsements.
Personality, Advocacy, and Interests
Aside from acting, Ramsey is deeply passionate about environmental activism, serving as a Greenpeace ambassador and speaking publicly about climate change. They are also known for their musical talents and creative inspirations, sometimes incorporating their own singing into voice performances.
Ramsey is committed to advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, mental health awareness, and authentic representation in Hollywood. Despite public scrutiny, they continue to inspire and connect with fans around the world as a role model for authenticity and self-expression.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are Bella Ramsey’s pronouns?
Bella Ramsey uses they/them pronouns and identifies as non-binary.
Are Bella Ramsey and Maisy Stella dating?
While neither has confirmed an official relationship, there has been widespread speculation and hints that Ramsey and fellow actress Maisy Stella have a close, possibly romantic bond.
What is Bella Ramsey’s net worth in 2025?
Their estimated net worth is $ 2 million, mainly from acting roles, voice work, and endorsements.
What awards has Bella Ramsey won?
Ramsey has several major industry wins, including a BAFTA Children’s Award, Royal Television Society Award, and multiple nominations for the Emmys and Golden Globes.
Why was Bella Ramsey targeted with online hate?
Bella Ramsey has faced online backlash originating in part from discontent with their casting in The Last of Us and from transphobic or misogynistic spaces objecting to their gender identity and appearance. The backlash largely centres online and is not a reflection of industry opinion or general fan sentiment.
What are Bella Ramsey’s most famous roles?
Notably: Lyanna Mormont (Game of Thrones), Mildred Hubble (The Worst Witch), Ellie (The Last of Us), the voice in Hilda, Catherine (Catherine Called Birdy), and Kelsey Morgan (Time).
Are Bella Ramsey’s parents in the entertainment industry?
No, but both are musically and creatively inclined. Their father is a financial professional and a trumpet player; their mother left her teaching career to act as Bella’s primary on-set guardian.
What is Bella Ramsey’s activism focus?
Bella is an advocate for environmental issues, mental health awareness, and LGBTQ+ representation, and frequently uses their platform for social good.
