The Last of Us Star Slams Body Shamers For Criticizing Melanie Lynskey

Image via HBO

This article contains spoilers for The last of us Episode five, “Hold on and Survive”.

Actor Jeffrey Pierce has come to his defense The last of us co-star, Melanie Lynsky.

Per Weekly entertainment, Pierce took offense at critics who complained that Lynskey’s body type didn’t match their stereotype of a post-apocalyptic warlord. The actor expressed dismay at Hollywood’s narrow representation of power and credited showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann for challenging outdated stereotypes.

“I think it just shows an embarrassing lack of understanding of the world. Look, I’d say Hollywood did a terrible job of creating the mythology of what a man is? what is a woman What are these aesthetics that we hold up as power? And so I think, in this particular story, because of who [showrunners] Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, we can turn those narratives on their head.”

Attacking Lynskey’s performance came from former model and reality TV show star Adrianne Curry, who won the first cycle of America’s Next Top Model in 2003. Curry posted a glamorous photo of Lynskey with the caption:

“Your body speaks to a life of luxury … not post-apocolytic [sic] warlords. Where’s Linda Hamilton when you need her?”

Lynskey fired back, chiding Curry for taking a photo out of context and not understanding that tactical leaders need intelligence, not brawn. Curry’s attempt to monitor Lynskey’s physical appearance fell through as people slammed her tweet. was among them dynasty Star Charisma Carpenter, who encouraged the former model to reconsider her internalized misogyny.

In response to the backlash to her comments, Curry deleted her Twitter account.

Almost all of Pierce’s scenes about The Last of Us are with Lynskey and said he admires his co-star’s leadership in the face of criticism. He also expressed pride in the creative team at The last of usadding that challenging the status quo can create teaching moments that move society forward.

“That this casting [of Lynskey] can trigger people’s stupid reaction to body image that kind of has an impact on who that person is at their core, yes it’s important to trigger it. Get infected! And then to be confronted with it with the grace and courage and calm that Melanie experienced in that moment. More people will learn from this lesson, from how she deals with it, how she did it, as if ugliness never reared its head.

The showrunners very deliberately chose Lynskey to play Kathleen. Druckmann tells The Last of Us Podcast“It feels like the role was created for her.”

The last of us airs Sundays on HBO Max.