Pedro Pascal has always been supported by his strong family foundation. The acclaimed actor, whose parents Verónica Pascal Ureta and José Balmaceda Riera fled Chile during a turbulent time, shared details of their challenging journey as political refugees. In a June 2023 episode of the “SmartLess” podcast, Pedro revealed that his family had to go into hiding for six months before initially seeking asylum in Denmark, then eventually moving to the United States.
Pedro reflected on his parents’ youth during these formative years, noting that while they weren’t revolutionaries, they were liberal-minded college students caught in the chaos of their homeland. The family initially settled in Texas and later moved to California, where Pedro’s parents welcomed two more children.
The loss of his mother at the age of 24 profoundly impacted Pedro, who expressed deep gratitude for her unwavering support throughout his career. He stated, “None of [my success] would be real if it weren’t for her,” highlighting the critical role she played in his life.
An overview of Pedro’s family reveals the diverse paths they have taken:
– **Verónica Pascal Ureta**: A child psychologist, she tragically passed away in 2000. Pedro honors her memory by using her maiden name in his professional life.
– **José Balmaceda Riera**: As a fertility doctor, José’s career led the family to California, where he continues to staunchly support Pedro’s acting career, including attending premieres like Gladiator II in November 2024.
– **Javiera Balmaceda Pascal**: While not an actress like her brother Pedro, she is deeply entrenched in the entertainment industry as the head of local originals for Latin America at Amazon Studios. Prior to that, she worked as an investment banker in Chile.
– **Nicolás Balmaceda Pascal**: Pedro’s younger brother is pursuing a PhD in pediatric neurology, maintaining a low profile away from the public eye.
– **Lux Balmaceda Pascal**: Also an actress, Lux has appeared in multiple projects since her debut in the 2011 film Baby Shower. She is also known for her advocacy as a transgender activist, publicly coming out as a trans woman in 2021.
This family dynamic has helped mold Pedro into the successful and relatable figure he is today, showing that even in the face of adversity and personal loss, a supportive family can be the guiding force that leads to success. The Pascal family’s journey underscores the resilience of individuals who have navigated the challenges of migration and loss while carving out their own paths in life.