Pedro Pascal is gearing up for one of his most significant roles to date with the upcoming Marvel’s Fantastic Four film.
This is quite a statement given that the actor’s recent roles include appearances in some of the world’s biggest shows and popular Star Wars spin-offs. In his latest role, Pascal will portray comic book hero Reed Richards.
The role is being tipped to succeed Robert Downey Jr’s Tony Stark as the leader of the Avengers. Fans will have to wait until 25 July when the film hits cinemas across the UK to see what this entails.
But who exactly is Pedro Pascal? What was his early career like that led him to where he is today, and what has been reported about dating rumours surrounding the actor?
Here’s everything you need to know.
Who is Pedro Pascal?
Born on 2 April 1975, José Pedro Balmaceda Pascal is a Chilean-American actor. He has an older sister who works as a film and TV producer, a younger brother, and a younger sister who is an actress and transgender activist, reports the Mirror.
Pascal has also been outspoken in his support for his sister and the transgender community. He stirred some controversy with comments criticising Harry Potter author J.
K Rowling. In an Instagram post, he referred to her as a ‘heinous loser’ for her views on the subject.
Pedro Pascal, star of The Traitors, was born into a family that was deemed enemies of the state by the Pinochet regime in Chile. His family fled to Denmark when he was just nine months old, before eventually settling in the US.
Growing up in Texas and California, Pedro pursued his passion for acting at the Orange County School of the Arts and New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, graduating in 1997.
Reflecting on his early career, Pedro refers to these years as his ‘give up’ years. He believed if he hadn’t made it past the age of 29 then the industry was not for him, and he came close to quitting several times.
To make ends meet, he worked as a waiter and credits his pet dog for saving his life during this challenging period.
Despite his struggles, his friends and family always encouraged him to keep going. His older sister recalls how they knew he wanted to act from when he was just four years old and believed he was too talented to give up.
The death of his mother Veronica added to the difficulty of this time. In honour of her, he changed his stage name to Pascal, believing it would be easier for Americans to pronounce than his paternal name of Balmaceda.
Pedro Pascal, who first gained recognition in minor roles on TV and film from 1999, truly made his mark in 2014 when he was cast as Oberyn Martell. His captivating performance in seven episodes of the show’s fourth season, including a shocking death scene, left audiences worldwide spellbound and marked a significant turning point in his career.
Today, he is one of the most sought-after actors in the industry, not only for his acting prowess but also for his affable personality behind the scenes. Vanity Fair reports that his colleagues affectionately refer to him by various nicknames, including Pepelo, Pipi, Pedders, Peds, Pedg, and even Pepsi.
His impressive portfolio includes leading roles in Netflix’s Narcos, Star Wars series The Mandalorian, and HBO’s The Last of US. He has also starred in films such as Wonder Woman 1984, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, and Gladiator II.
This year, Pascal is set to appear in the Fantastic Four, modern western Eddington, and romantic comedy Materialists alongside Dakota Johnson. Thanks to his recent successes, Parade magazine estimates his net worth to be around $10 million.
Has Pedro Pascal ever struggled with anxiety?
Pedro Pascal has openly discussed his ongoing battle with anxiety, an issue he has grappled with since childhood.
In a chat with co-star Bella Ramsey during the promotion of The Last of Us, Pedro Pascal revealed his unusual habit of keeping a hand on his stomach while strolling down the red carpet and posing for photos as a way to cope.
His Fantastic Four co-star Vanessa Kirby has been seen assisting him with this, often holding his hand during public outings.
Who is Pedro Pascal rumoured to be dating?
Pedro Pascal keeps his love life rather private. However, this hasn’t stopped the actor from being the subject of numerous rumours.
These include speculated romantic ties with Game of Thrones co-star Lena Headey. Both have remained silent on the matter, and Headey has since tied the knot.
During a Reddit AMA, Pascal gushed about her: “”She is so funny and so smart, such a good person, a good friend and a good mother, I think everyone on that set and anyone who comes in contact with her develops an instant crush. Talk about male or female, you’re going to get a crush on her easy.”.
Earlier this year, Pascal was seen in Los Angeles with Friends star Jennifer Aniston, sparking speculation they might be dating. However, at The Last of Us season two premiere, Pascal clarified they were simply dining with mutual friends.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in cinemas July 25