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The Last of Us: Lamar Johnson Gushes About Episode 5 Co-Star Keivonn Woodard


Credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO

One of the best things about The Last of Us Episode 5 was learning about Henry and Sam and seeing the bond between the brothers. Not surprisingly, the actors who played the duo also bonded while working on Endure and Survive. Lamar Johnson shared how he and Keivonn Woodard interacted behind the scenes and couldn't help but gush about his young co-star.

In The Last of Us Episode 5, it was revealed that Henry had given up the leader of the revolutionary movement to Kansas City's FEDRA in exchange for medication for Sam's leukemia. When the man was killed, his sister Kathleen took over and was determined to capture the brothers. Although Henry and Sam worked with Joel and Ellie to escape, Sam becomes infected and Henry is forced to shoot him before killing himself.

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Credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO

The brotherly love between Henry and Sam was evident in the series, thanks to the bond between Lamar Johnson and Keivonn Woodard on the set. Johnson shared with Variety what it was like working with the young actor.

“The first day we met, we were running around the production offices playing tag. That is how organic and easy it was to connect with Kevionn,” he said. Johnson then praised Woodard, who is deaf like his character in The Last of Us.

“He has such a great spirit, great energy, that it was very easy to make that connection,” he continued. “He’s just so talented. Considering that this is his first role — I’m so proud of him. He did such a great job.”

It's great to know that Lamar Johnson and Keivonn Woodard truly enjoyed working on The Last of Us although the fates of their characters have been truly heartbreaking. Nevertheless, it all helped Joel and Ellie move forward in the show.

The Last of Us Episode 5 is now streaming on HBO Max.

Related: The Last of Us: Neil Druckmann Explains Why Sam is Deaf in HBO Show

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