Pedro Pascal acting career struggles have come to light as the actor revealed he was close to leaving the entertainment industry in favor of nursing. Facing repeated setbacks during his 20s and 30s, Pascal nearly abandoned his dream after continuous difficulties securing major roles.
Despite participating in various television projects, Pascal remained in the shadows until his breakthrough performance as Oberyn Martell in Game Of Thrones at the age of 39. Before this pivotal role, his portfolio consisted mostly of minor characters, leaving him disheartened about his prospects in Hollywood.
Support from Family and Internal Doubts
As Pascal looked back on his earlier struggles, he shared his perspective on how expectations weighed on him.
In my 30s I was supposed to have a career,
—Pedro Pascal, Actor
Past 29 without a career meant that it was over, definitely
—Pedro Pascal, Actor
His sister, Javiera Balmaceda, herself a Hollywood producer, recounted how they refused to let him walk away from acting even as he considered alternative paths like nursing or teaching drama.
When Pedro would say, ‘I’m going to nursing school’ or ‘I’m going to be a theatre teacher,’ it was just like ‘No, no, no, no! You’re too good!’ He’s wanted to be an actor since he was four years old. The one thing we’d never allow Pedro to do was give up
—Javiera Balmaceda, Hollywood Producer
While Pascal joked about the kind of nurse he could have been, these reflections highlight how close he felt to stepping away from performing altogether.
I’d be a selective nurse, like I was as a waiter,
—Pedro Pascal, Actor
I’d fall in love with some patients and hate others. And that poor patient that I hated!
—Pedro Pascal, Actor
Personal Growth and Advocacy as Fame Arrived
After finally earning major recognition through acclaimed roles in The Mandalorian and The Last Of Us, Pascal also found himself thinking differently about aging and fame as he moved into his fifth decade.
Stepping into my 40s felt adult and empowered,
—Pedro Pascal, Actor
50 felt more vulnerable — much more vulnerable. What a silly thing for a 50-year-old man — to have all this attention!
—Pedro Pascal, Actor
As Pascal’s fame grew, he began using his influence to support causes facing controversy, including transgender rights, especially in connection with his sister Lux’s transition in 2021. In a recent instance, Pascal publicly denounced J.K. Rowling following her comments related to a Supreme Court decision affecting transgender women’s legal status.
Ongoing Success and Future Projects
Looking ahead, Pedro Pascal’s schedule remains packed, with a leading role in Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps and speculation swirling about the return of Joel in future seasons of The Last Of Us. Despite the intense personal and professional obstacles of his early career, Pascal has become not only a star but also a vocal advocate and a symbol of change in the industry.
His journey, marked by periods of significant doubt and the steadfast encouragement of his family, demonstrates how persistence and support can transform a struggling actor into one of Hollywood’s most prominent figures.
