José Pedro Balmaceda Pascal, professionally known as Pedro Pascal (born April 2, 1975, in Santiago, Chile), is a Chilean-American actor celebrated for his versatility and captivating on-screen presence. Pascal gained international fame for his role as Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones (2014), Javier Peña in Narcos (2015–2017), Din Djarin in The Mandalorian (2019–2023), and Joel Miller in The Last of Us (2023–present). Known for portraying adoptive father figures, Pascal has earned critical acclaim, including a Screen Actors Guild Award and multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
Quick Facts of Pedro Pascal
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | José Pedro Balmaceda Pascal |
| Date of Birth | April 2, 1975 |
| Age | 50 years (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Santiago, Chile |
| Nationality | Chilean, American |
| Education | New York University (BFA) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 1996–present |
| Notable Works | Game of Thrones, Narcos, The Mandalorian, The Last of Us |
| Awards | Screen Actors Guild Award, Astra TV Awards, Critics’ Choice Nominations |
| Relatives | Lux Pascal (sister), Allende and Balmaceda families |
Early Life
Pedro Pascal was born to Verónica Pascal Ureta, a child psychologist, and José Balmaceda Riera, a reproductive endocrinologist. He has three siblings, including his actress sister Lux Pascal. Through his parents, he is connected to Chile’s prominent Allende and Balmaceda families.
Shortly after his birth, political turmoil in Chile forced his family to flee the country, eventually settling in the United States. Pascal was raised in San Antonio, Texas, before moving to Orange County, California, where he discovered his passion for acting. He attended the Orange County School of the Arts and later earned a BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Career
1999–2013: Early Work
Pascal began his career with minor roles in television series such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, NYPD Blue, The Good Wife, and Homeland. He also performed in theater, winning awards for roles in plays like Orphans, and made his film debut in Sisters (2005).
2014–2018: Breakthrough
Pascal rose to prominence as Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones (2014). His portrayal received widespread acclaim and earned him a Screen Actors Guild nomination. He then gained recognition for Javier Peña in Narcos (2015–2017). Pascal also appeared in films like The Great Wall (2016), Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017), The Equalizer 2 (2018), and Triple Frontier (2019).
2019–Present: Worldwide Recognition
Pascal achieved global fame playing Din Djarin in The Mandalorian (2019–2023) and Joel Miller in The Last of Us (2023–present). Both roles reinforced his reputation for portraying father figures. He has continued to star in high-profile projects, including Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), We Can Be Heroes (2020), Gladiator II (2024), and The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025). Pascal also made his Broadway debut in 2019 as Edmund in King Lear.
Personal Life
Pascal is fluent in English and Spanish, identifies as agnostic, and is a progressive liberal. He is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, supporting his sister Lux Pascal, a transgender actress. He is close friends with Sarah Paulson, Oscar Isaac, and Bella Ramsey, his co-star in The Last of Us.
Pascal is active in social causes, including advocacy for Ukraine and raising awareness about conflicts like the Gaza war.
Awards and Achievements
- Screen Actors Guild Award – Outstanding Actor (The Last of Us, 2024)
- Astra TV Awards – Best Actor in Drama (The Last of Us, 2023)
- Critics’ Choice Super Awards – Nominated for Best Actor (The Mandalorian, 2021)
- Golden Globe Nomination – Best Actor (The Last of Us, 2024)
- Broadway Debut – King Lear (2019)
- Named one of Time 100 Most Influential People (2023)
Legacy
Pedro Pascal is celebrated for his versatility, charisma, and ability to portray nuanced father figures. His work has made him an international star and a beloved figure in meme culture, highlighting his unique connection with audiences. Pascal continues to inspire aspiring actors and represents the evolving presence of Latinx talent in Hollywood.
