Kaitlyn Dever Filmed Her First ‘Last of Us’ Scene Just 3 Days After Her Mother’s Funeral

In a deeply emotional revelation, actress Kaitlyn Dever has shared that she was grieving the loss of her mother when she stepped onto the set of HBO’s highly anticipated second season of The Last of Us. Dever, who will portray the controversial and complex character Abby, opened up to Entertainment Weekly about the unimaginable emotional weight she carried into production.

Her mother, Kathy Dever, passed away from stage 4 metastatic breast cancer just weeks before Kaitlyn began filming. The funeral, Dever disclosed, took place only three days before she was expected to perform in one of the most critical scenes of her early arc, her first with co-star Pedro Pascal, who reprises his role as Joel.

Losing a Mother, Gaining a Role

Kaitlyn Dever described her mother as her “best friend,” a guiding force not only in her life but also in her acting journey. Kathy DDever’sbattle with cancer had spanned over 14 years, marked by strength, dignity, and unwavering love for her family. Kaitlyn credits her mother’s resilience as the reason she found the strength to walk onto that set.

“I was going through the worst moment of my life,” Dever told Entertainment Weekly. “There was an emptiness in my chest, but I knew my mom would have wanted me to keep going. She was so proud of this role.”

The Scene with Pedro Pascal

The timing made it even more surreal. Dever’s first scene on set was not a minor introduction. It was the scene with Pedro Pascal, a pivotal moment for Abby’s character and a cornerstone of the show’s emotional story. Dever didn’t specify the exact scene, but those familiar with the storyline from the video game know that Abby and Joel’s first encounter is a turning point that dramatically shifts the narrative.

Despite the emotional turmoil, Dever gave everything she had. “It felt like I was walking through a fog,” she said. “But Pedro was incredibly kind, and the crew was supportive. Still, there were moments I felt like I could break.”

A Role That Cuts Close to the Bone

In the The Last of Us universe, Abby is known for carrying the trauma of losing her father. For Dever, the role now carries painful parallels. “Portraying someone grieving while I was also grieving was harder than I ever imagined,” she said. “It’s almost like life and art were colliding most painfully.”

The production team was reportedly aware of Dever’s loss. Although they offered flexibility, she chose to move forward, determined to honor both her commitment to the project and her mother’s memory.

A Performance Fueled by Love and Loss

As fans await Season 2, Dever’s performance is likely to carry an emotional depth that transcends the script. The pain, the vulnerability, the fierce strength Abby must embody – Dever brings those not only as an actor, but also as a daughter who had to say goodbye too soon.

“My mom wanted me to be here”” Dever said softly. “She believed in me more than anyone ever could. Every line I say, every step I take in this role, she’s with me.”

The Legacy of Kathy Dever

While the world will soon see Kaitlyn Dever bring Abby to life on screen, off screen she is carrying the legacy of her mother, a woman who, even amid pain, raised a daughter strong enough to hold both grief and greatness.

Fans, colleagues, and fellow actors have begun sharing messages of support for Dever on social media, praising her strength and resilience. As the premiere of The Last of Us Season 2 draws nearer, iit’sclear that Kaitlyn’s performance will be shaped not just by talent, but by the profound love and loss that will forever live in her heart.

If you or someone you love is struggling with grief, resources are available. You are not alone.