How Pedro Pascal Defied Hollywood’s Age Barriers to Become a Star

Pedro Pascal stands out as a rare example in the entertainment industry—a performer who didn’t achieve widespread fame until well into his forties. After years of dedication and a string of diverse roles, his big break came at 39 with a memorable part in Game of Thrones. Since then, he’s become a sought-after name, landing major roles across both television and blockbuster movies, including a spot in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Early Struggles and Unconventional Beginnings

Born in Chile, Pascal’s family sought refuge in the United States following political upheaval in the late 1970s. He grew up in Texas and California, eventually graduating from the Orange County School of the Arts in 1993 under the name Peter Balmaceda. Later, he attended NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, finishing in 1997. During his early years in New York, Pascal juggled waiting tables with constant auditions, often losing jobs as he chased acting opportunities. He once told Esquire,

I was getting my a** f**king kicked. I guess this delusional self-determination, and no real skill at anything else, is what kept me going.

During this time, he formed close friendships with fellow aspiring actors, including Sarah Paulson, who sometimes helped him out financially so he could get by.

Years of Bit Parts and the Breakthrough

Pascal’s journey to recognition was anything but overnight. Starting in 1999, he appeared in a string of minor roles on shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Good Wife, Homeland, The Mentalist, and Law & Order. A residual check from Buffy once helped him stay afloat when he was nearly broke. He also built a reputation in theater, earning accolades for his stage work. In 2014, he auditioned for HBO ’s Looking but didn’t land the part. That twist of fate led him to try out for Game of Thrones, where he was cast as Oberyn Martell—a role that finally put him in the spotlight and opened doors to bigger projects.

Television Roles Fuel a Meteoric Rise

Pascal’s portrayal of Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones’ fourth season marked a turning point. The role earned him attention from critics and fans alike, and soon after, he was cast as DEA agent Javier Peña in Netflix ’s Narcos, where he eventually took on a leading role. He also played memorable villains in films like Kingsman: The Golden Circle and The Equalizer 2. In 2019, he became the face behind the helmet in The Mandalorian, a Star Wars series that further boosted his profile. His performance as Joel Miller in HBO’s The Last of Us in 2023 made him a household name and earned him two Emmy nominations and a SAG Award for Best Actor. While he’s appeared in movies like Wonder Woman 1984 and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, it ’s his television work that’s truly propelled his career.

Hollywood ’s New Leading Man

Now in his fifties, Pascal is at the height of his career, with studios eager to cast him in high-profile projects. Following his success in The Last of Us, he’s taken on a variety of roles, including a villain in Gladiator II and voice work in The Wild Robot. In 2025, he starred in two A24 films and took on the role of Reed Richards in Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps. His recent movies have collectively grossed over $1.6 billion at the box office. Looking ahead, Pascal is set to appear in The Mandalorian & Grogu and Avengers: Doomsday in 2026, as well as Tony Gilroy ’s Behemoth!—cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actors.