Bella Ramsey
September 25, 2003 — Nottinghamshire, England
Bella Ramsey is an English actor born on September 25, 2003, who rose to prominence as a teenager playing the fierce young noblewoman Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones. They cemented their status as one of television's most compelling performers with the lead role of Ellie in The Last of Us, earning widespread critical acclaim and multiple major award nominations along the way.
Early Life
Isabella May Ramsey was born on September 25, 2003, in Nottinghamshire, England. Despite living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis from a young age, Ramsey pursued a passion for performing early on, training at a local theatre school in Nottingham. Their natural stage presence and confidence caught the attention of casting directors, and while still a child they began auditioning for professional roles. Ramsey's early exposure to acting gave them a grounded, unpretentious approach to the craft that would come to define their public persona. Growing up largely outside the entertainment industry hub of London, Ramsey maintained a relatively ordinary upbringing even as their career began to take shape, balancing schoolwork with auditions and rehearsals. This foundation in regional theatre training proved instrumental when a breakthrough opportunity arrived that would soon place them among the most recognized young actors of their generation.
Career Breakthrough
Ramsey's career-defining moment came in 2016 when they were cast as Lyanna Mormont, the young and fearsomely commanding head of House Mormont, in HBO's fantasy epic Game of Thrones. Despite limited screen time, Ramsey's performance made Lyanna Mormont a fan favorite, and they continued in the role through the series' conclusion in 2019. This exposure opened doors to further television and film work throughout the following years. In 2023, Ramsey achieved another major breakthrough, taking on the lead role of Ellie in HBO's post-apocalyptic drama The Last of Us, based on the acclaimed video game. The performance was a critical sensation, earning Ramsey nominations for a BAFTA Television Award, two Critics' Choice Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. The role showcased Ramsey's range in portraying a hardened yet vulnerable survivor navigating a devastated world, and cemented their reputation as one of the most talented young actors working in television.
Did You Know?
Bella Ramsey has lived with juvenile idiopathic arthritis since childhood, yet went on to perform physically demanding stunt work for The Last of Us. Ramsey identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns.
Recognition and Legacy
Ramsey's rapid ascent has been matched by significant industry recognition. In 2023, they were named to the Time 100 Next list, which spotlights rising leaders shaping the future across entertainment and other fields. The following year, in 2024, Ramsey appeared on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list, further affirming their standing as a major young talent in entertainment. Identifying as non-binary, Ramsey has also become a notable voice for visibility and representation in the entertainment industry, speaking candidly in interviews about identity and the pressures of fame at a young age. As The Last of Us continues into further seasons, Ramsey remains central to one of television's most acclaimed ongoing series, building a body of work that spans blockbuster fantasy and prestige drama. Still early in their career, Ramsey has already established a legacy as a defining young performer of their generation, admired for bringing depth, nuance, and authenticity to complex characters.
