Rachel Zegler and Bella Ramsey: Hollywood’s Rising Stars
Hollywood is always on the hunt for fresh faces to carry its legacy forward, and right now, Rachel Zegler and Bella Ramsey are leading the charge. These young actresses, both in their early twenties, have been named among the most promising talents of their generation, earning widespread fan support across social media platforms. Their raw talent, authenticity, and bold choices have made them standouts in a crowded industry. But what exactly is driving the excitement around Zegler and Ramsey? Let’s explore their journeys, their impact, and why audiences are so passionately behind them.
Rachel Zegler: A Star Born Online
Rachel Zegler’s rise to fame feels like a modern-day Cinderella story. Born in 2001 in New Jersey to a Colombian-Polish family, Zegler first caught attention as a teenager through her YouTube channel. Her covers of popular songs, including a viral rendition of “Shallow” from A Star Is Born, showcased a voice that was both powerful and emotive. This online buzz led to her breakout role at just 17 as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 remake of West Side Story. Her performance was a triumph, blending heartbreak and hope in a way that captivated audiences and critics alike. She won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, becoming the youngest winner in that category at the time.
Zegler’s momentum only grew from there. In 2023, she starred as Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, bringing a spirited yet layered energy to the prequel. Her next major role was Snow White in Disney’s 2025 live-action remake. Despite the film facing challenges at the box office due to creative decisions and public debates, Zegler’s portrayal was widely praised for its charm and depth, proving her ability to shine even in turbulent projects.
Beyond film, Zegler has embraced the stage. In 2024, she made her Broadway debut as Juliet in a contemporary take on Romeo + Juliet alongside Kit Connor. The production was a commercial success, though her performance received mixed feedback, and she was notably absent from the 2025 Tony Award nominations. Undaunted, Zegler is set to tackle the iconic role of Eva Perón in a West End revival of Evita, a daring choice for such a young actress. Her upcoming film, She Gets It From Me, a comedy-drama with Marisa Tomei, will see her play a bride-to-be navigating family ties, further showcasing her range.
Zegler’s appeal lies in her unapologetic authenticity. She proudly embraces her Latina heritage and isn’t afraid to share her views on updating classic stories for today’s audiences. While her outspoken nature has sparked some controversy—particularly around her comments on the original Snow White—she remains a magnetic figure. Fans on platforms like X celebrate her as a trailblazer, with many calling her a voice for inclusivity and resilience in an industry that often pressures stars to conform.
Bella Ramsey: Redefining Strength on Screen
Bella Ramsey, born in 2003 in Nottingham, England, is another talent reshaping Hollywood. Identifying as nonbinary and using they/them pronouns, Ramsey has forged a distinctive path in an industry steeped in tradition. Their career took off at age 13 with the role of Lyanna Mormont in HBO’s Game of Thrones. As the fierce young leader of House Mormont, Ramsey commanded attention with a presence far beyond their years, earning a loyal following despite limited screen time.
Ramsey’s star soared higher with their lead role as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us (2023), based on the beloved video game. The role required a delicate balance of vulnerability, grit, and defiance, and Ramsey delivered a performance that resonated deeply with viewers. Their work earned a 2023 Emmy nomination for Best Leading Actress, marking them as the second nonbinary actor nominated in the category. The show’s second season, which premiered in April 2025, has further cemented their status, with Ramsey bringing even greater emotional depth to Ellie’s evolving story.
Off-screen, Ramsey is a passionate advocate for inclusivity. They’ve spoken thoughtfully about the role of gendered awards categories in ensuring recognition for marginalized groups, reflecting a nuanced perspective on representation. However, their visibility has come with hurdles. In early 2025, Ramsey stepped away from social media after facing a wave of online criticism targeting their appearance, with some unfairly comparing them to their video game character. The backlash prompted an outpouring of support from fans and peers, who praised Ramsey’s authenticity and condemned the negativity.
Ramsey’s next project, Girl Next Door, will explore complex family relationships, and their ability to tackle emotionally intense roles continues to make them a sought-after talent. Their openness about their autism diagnosis and experiences growing up in the public eye has only deepened their connection with audiences.
Why Fans Are Rallying Behind Them
The recognition of Zegler and Ramsey as Hollywood’s rising stars has ignited excitement for several reasons. First, they represent a shift toward greater diversity. Zegler’s Latina background and Ramsey’s nonbinary identity bring fresh perspectives to an industry that has historically favored a narrow mold. Their success signals a more inclusive future, resonating with younger audiences who value representation.
Second, their talent is exceptional. Zegler’s ability to sing, act, and dance makes her a rare triple threat, while Ramsey’s knack for conveying profound emotions with subtlety sets them apart. Social media posts on X describe Zegler as “a powerhouse with limitless potential” and Ramsey as “the soul of every story they tell,” reflecting the depth of fan admiration.
Third, both actresses embody resilience. Zegler has faced intense scrutiny, from debates over her Snow White casting to criticism of her public statements, yet she continues to land major roles and inspire loyalty. Ramsey, meanwhile, has navigated personal attacks and industry pressures with grace, using their platform to advocate for change. This strength strikes a chord with fans, who see them as role models for authenticity and perseverance.
The Bigger Picture
Zegler and Ramsey’s inclusion in lists of promising actresses isn’t just about their past achievements—it’s about their potential to shape Hollywood’s future. They’re part of a generation pushing for stories that reflect the world’s diversity and complexity. Zegler’s work, from musicals to dramas, shows her versatility, while Ramsey’s performances in high-stakes projects like The Last of Us highlight their ability to carry a narrative.
Their influence extends beyond their roles. Zegler’s cultural pride and Ramsey’s advocacy for inclusivity challenge the industry to rethink its norms. Fans are drawn to their willingness to take risks, whether it’s Zegler tackling iconic characters or Ramsey embracing roles that demand emotional rawness. This boldness is what makes them not just actresses, but storytellers with the power to inspire.
Looking Ahead
As Zegler and Ramsey continue their careers, their impact is only beginning to unfold. Zegler’s upcoming projects, including Evita and She Gets It From Me, suggest a career that will span stage and screen, blending spectacle with intimacy. Ramsey’s work in The Last of Us Season 2 and Girl Next Door positions them as a leading voice in both television and film. Both are poised to redefine what it means to be a star in today’s Hollywood.
The excitement around them is rooted in their ability to connect with audiences on a human level. Zegler’s passion and Ramsey’s vulnerability make them relatable, even as they take on larger-than-life roles. Fans are cheering because they see in these actresses not just talent, but the promise of a more vibrant, inclusive industry.
Conclusion
Rachel Zegler and Bella Ramsey are more than Hollywood’s latest darlings—they’re pioneers of a new era. Their talent, authenticity, and resilience have earned them a spot among the industry’s most promising actresses, and the fan support is well-deserved. As they continue to break barriers and tell stories that matter, Zegler and Ramsey are proving they’re here to stay. The buzz around them is a testament to their impact, and it’s clear they’re just getting started. Keep watching—these two are rewriting the rules of stardom.
