Kaitlyn Dever impresses with performance despite mother's passing
- Kaitlyn Dever filmed an emotionally charged scene for 'The Last Of Us' Season 2 just weeks after her mother's death, which added depth to her performance.
- The production team faced logistical challenges that did not allow them to postpone the filming of the significant scene featuring Dever.
- Despite the difficult circumstances, Dever displayed remarkable professionalism, enhancing the character's portrayal of grief, which resonated with viewers.
In the United States, Kaitlyn Dever, who portrays Abby in HBO's acclaimed show, 'The Last Of Us,' faced significant personal tragedy when her mother passed away due to breast cancer just weeks before filming a crucial scene for Season 2. The series, created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckman, took its two-year hiatus from the premiere but returned on April 13, 2025, and centers around the harrowing plot intertwined with themes of loss and revenge. Dever's character, Abby, seeks vengeance for her father's death at the hands of Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, culminating in a shocking and brutal confrontation depicted in Season 2, Episode 2. The day Abby's mother died marked the onset of a profound personal struggle for Dever, as the very nature of the scene she was to film required her to delve into themes of grief and pain similar to those she was personally experiencing. Mazin and director Mark Mylod sensed the emotional weight of the scene and were concerned about how Dever would cope so soon after her loss. They considered postponing the shoot, but logistical constraints led them to proceed as scheduled. Dever was determined to honor her craft despite her sorrow, discussing her challenges with Mazin and expressing a desire to push through. In a poignant interview, Dever described the days leading up to filming as “horrible” and shared the details surrounding her mother's passing. Her mother's funeral took place just three days before she commenced filming the intense scene, leaving Dever in a state of emotional fog. However, she reflected on how having to navigate her personal grief while portraying Abby enhanced her connection to the character, allowing her to truly bring the raw and honest emotions to the screen. Dever noted that doing so required a different approach than her normal routine, which typically involves extensive rehearsals and memorization — she relied on the script's strength to deliver her performance. Mazin praised Dever's professionalism and ability to rise to the occasion, expressing his admiration for how she handled the emotionally charged environment while also dealing with her grief. He reassured her that the production valued her well-being over the show itself, especially given that 'The Last Of Us' deals with significant themes of loss and mourning. Following the tearful yet riveting episode, fans also noted that the show's depiction of these deep emotional subjects was captivating and resonated profoundly. The shocking scene has stirred discussions about the complexity of grief, both in the context of the show and in Dever's real-life experience, highlighting the extraordinary dedication of the cast amidst personal challenges.