When HBO announced a Last of Us series, everyone assumed Ashley would play Ellie on screen. She’s the icon! The original! But nope—the part went to Bella Ramsey. And Ashley wasn’t bitter. At all.
In fact, she showed up on set as a background extra. Yes, the voice of Ellie is literally standing in a crowd as a nameless infected person. She called it “the easiest job ever” because she didn’t have to talk. I find that both hilarious and oddly humble.
She even said Bella’s performance made her cry because it felt like watching her own daughter grow up. If that doesn’t make you appreciate her, I don’t know what will. Talk about passing the torch with grace.
The Last of Us: OG voice actor to make epic return as Ellie's Mum
So, What’s She Doing Now?
Ashley’s not just “the Ellie girl.” She’s a Critical Role fan favorite, playing the chaotic cleric Yasha in the web series. She also writes and produces her own projects. Basically, she’s a nerd with a golden resume.
She’s also spoken openly about the emotional toll of playing Ellie. The character carries trauma, and Ashley admitted she had to “leave her at the door” after long recording days. It’s a reminder that voice actors aren’t just robots—they feel the pain they create. Next time you hear Ellie crack a dark joke, think of the real person behind it.
