In the high-stakes world of prestige television, sometimes the smallest gems of wisdom sparkle brightest. Bella Ramsey, the rising star with undeniable gravitas, stood poised at their career’s precipice when The Last of Us
beckoned. Before diving into apocalyptic drama, they received an electrifying snippet of advice from visionary director Steven Dunn,
a whispered secret that would revolutionize their entire artistic approach. The transformation was so profound that audiences witnessed something extraordinary without realizing the backstage alchemy at work.
While The Last of Us
tested Ramsey’s grit, it was a single piece of advice that ignited their true acting power, unlocking a skill that would leave audiences captivated yet unaware of its origin.
How Steven Dunn’s advice transformed Bella Ramsey’s acting for good
During a candid BuzzFeed UK interview, Bella Ramsey revealed
how Steven Dunn’s wisdom became their acting North Star. At just eleven years old, auditioning before the acclaimed director, they absorbed words that would echo through their career: “Use your eyes, don’t act with your face. Like you say it all with your eyes
.” This crystalline insight cut through theatrical noise, suggesting true emotion requires no melodramatic flourishes, just piercing authenticity through the windows of the soul.
The advice struck Ramsey like lightning, forever illuminating their path forward.
Bella Ramsey Shares Advice They Would Have Given Their Younger Self #buzzfeeduk #bellaramsey #thelastofus pic.twitter.com/ouH18F8J8b
— BuzzFeed UK (@BuzzFeedUK) April 26, 2025
This eye-focused technique bloomed spectacularly in The Last of Us
, where Bella Ramsey’s nuanced performance captivated millions. In one particularly powerful scene, dialogue became superfluous; the script’s planned line vanished completely because Ramsey’s gaze communicated everything with breathtaking efficiency.
Years after Steven Dunn dropped this acting bombshell, Ramsey still carries it like a talisman, showing how just a small piece of advice can permanently reshape artistic trajectories.
Read More: Bella Ramsey’s ‘The Last of Us’ Experience Echoes In a Soundtrack That Has Pedro Pascal Dancing
As Bella Ramsey’s eyes told stories, another revelation was unfolding, one that would unlock even more depth in their performances, intertwining their personal journey with their professional transformation.
Bella Ramsey’s personal revelation that transformed her acting
Amidst their professional metamorphosis, Bella Ramsey experienced a parallel personal revelation while filming the hit series. Their autism diagnosis arrived like missing puzzle pieces finally clicking into place, bringing clarity rather than limitation. In their interview with the BBC, they kept it real, sharing their genuine appreciation for this neurological aspect
. Rather than viewing it as an obstacle, Ramsey embraced this core aspect of their identity as liberation, a skeleton key unlocking deeper emotional territories.
Bella Ramsey on sharing autism diagnosis: ‘It’s just part of who I am.’ pic.twitter.com/QyQZR6EBTX
— The Associated Press (@AP) April 10, 2025
Bella Ramsey brings a unique spark to their portrayal of Ellie, making the character’s emotional journey feel truly special. As season 3 approaches, the stakes are rising, and things are about to get even more thrilling. Ramsey is back as the fearless Ellie, with Pedro Pascal continuing to deliver as Joel. But that is just the beginning; Kaitlyn Dever will bring heat as Abby, joined by Isabela Merced as Dina, Gabriel Luna as Tommy, and Young Mezino as Jesse. With such a captivating storyline ahead and a stellar cast, it is clear why HBO cannot wait to keep this post-apocalyptic adventure rolling.
What do you think of this advice by Steven Dunn? Let us know in the comments below.
