Pedro Pascal reflects on the arduous journey leading to his breakthrough in acting and the brink of giving up on his dream.
Despite now being hailed as one of the foremost TV actors globally, Pedro Pascal, at 48, recalls the challenging path that preceded his current acclaim, including a recent SAG Award win for his standout role in The Last of Us.
While basking in industry accolades and a burgeoning fan base, Pascal’s ascent to stardom wasn’t always smooth sailing. Prior to captivating audiences as Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones’ fourth season in 2014, he endured over a decade of toil in the acting realm, grappling with uncertainty and setbacks along the way.
Despite Oberyn Martell’s swift rise to fan-favorite status, his character’s arc concluded abruptly after appearing in just seven episodes, meeting a brutal demise.
Following his stint on Game of Thrones, Pedro Pascal ventured into the Netflix series Narcos, yet mainstream recognition remained elusive.
However, Pascal’s fortunes shifted in 2019 with his portrayal of the titular character in The Mandalorian, Disney+’s acclaimed live-action Star Wars series. His ascent continued with the premiere of The Last of Us on HBO last January, catapulting him further into the spotlight.
As anticipation mounted for the series premiere, Pascal’s co-star, the now-20-year-old Bella Ramsey, revealed a poignant moment on set. Pascal, in acknowledging the journey to his breakthrough, offered a touching reflection on the time it took to attain success in the industry.
In a conversation with USA Today, Bella recounted a touching moment involving Pedro Pascal, revealing that he had penned a heartfelt letter reflecting on their divergent career trajectories. She shared, “Pedro wrote a little card to me at the end, saying, ‘How interesting that something so huge and life-changing should happen so early in your life and so late in mine.'”
Reflecting on his journey, Pedro recently opened up about the precariousness he faced in pursuing his acting dream. Recalling a time when he was left with less than $7 and unable to cover his rent, he candidly admitted how close he was to abandoning his aspirations.
Remarkably, a fortuitous residual check from his appearance as Eddie in a 1999 episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer provided the lifeline Pascal needed to persevere until his career breakthrough. This serendipitous turn of events proved pivotal in sustaining his journey until the moment his career trajectory shifted upwards.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight following his SAG Award win, Pedro Pascal candidly discussed the challenges he faced throughout his career. He reflected, “My entry-level lasted about 15 years. And we’re talking about [not] being able to see a doctor, getting sick, getting surgery, paying my rent, when I had less than $7 in my account.”
Pascal emphasized the pivotal role a residual check from his appearance on Buffy the Vampire Slayer played in sustaining his career during those challenging times. “A residual from Buffy the Vampire Slayer showed up and saved the day,” he revealed. “It literally is the reason I was able to stay in [Hollywood] and not give up.”
Pedro Pascal’s career trajectory shows no signs of slowing down, with recent announcements solidifying his place in Hollywood. He is set to star alongside Emma Stone and Austin Butler in the highly anticipated film Eddington, marking yet another milestone in his flourishing career.
Additionally, fans eagerly await the second season of The Last of Us, currently in production. With Pascal’s compelling performance garnering acclaim in the first season, anticipation runs high for what lies ahead in the next installment, expected to hit screens next year. Pascal’s continued success underscores his versatility and talent, positioning him as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
