The Last of Us third episode will be dedicated to Tess actress Annie Wersching

The third episode of HBO’s The Last of Us, titled ‘Long Long Time,’ will be retrospectively dedicated to actress Annie Wersching following her tragic passing at the age of 45.

Wersching portrayed Tess in Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us game, providing both her voice and performance capture. Just yesterday, Wersching’s publicist confirmed that the actress had passed away following a battle with cancer. Wersching was also known for her stellar performances in TV series 24 and Bosch.

Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, co-showrunners of HBO’s The Last of Us, confirmed that a dedication to Wersching would be added into this week’s episode. In a statement, they wrote, “Even though the HBO show is a new iteration of The Last of Us, our storylines, worlds and lives have become inextricably linked. We are a blended TLOU family now, and when tragedy strikes, we all feel it. We will be thinking about Annie tonight and always, but we know that it's her family who will miss her more than anyone.”

“We’re talking with our respective employers about ways we can help as individuals and as companies. Those things will likely be handled anonymously. If you’re also interested in helping, there’s a GoFundMe to support her boys: Freddie (12), Ozzie (9) and Archie (4),” they continued. “Annie was a brilliant actor, a wonderful mother, and a bright light of a human being. We mourn for her and the children who are grieving her loss. Tonight's episode has become particularly poignant in a way we would have never hoped or wished for, and we are dedicating it to Annie’s memory. It may be too late to get that on screen for tonight, but we will work to get it done as soon as we can. Annie Wersching, and the Tess she originated, will live on in our hearts. May she rest in peace.”

Druckmann also wrote and co-directed the original The Last of Us, working closely alongside Wersching. On Twitter, he added, “I miss my silly friend who helped bring Tess to life. Annie, you left us way too soon. You will forever be part of the TLoU & Naughty Dog family.” GAMINGbible extends its condolences to Wersching’s family and friends.