'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' saved Pedro Pascal's career when he had just $7
Pedro Pascal - mega star
Today, Pedro Pascal is one of Hollywood's brightest stars of the past decade, with roles in 'Game of Thrones,' 'The Mandalorian,' and 'The Last of Us.' He has three major movies coming out in 2025 and received an Emmy nomination for his role in 'The Last of Us.'
But it hasn't always been easy
His success and popularity are celebrated worldwide, as Pedro Pascal is one of the most beloved and sought-after actors in the industry. However, his journey to fame was much harder than many realize.
A dire situation
The Chilean actor struggled to find his place in the competitive world of Hollywood, at one point having just $7 in his bank account.
15 years of rejections
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight after his SAG Award win, Pedro said: "My entry-level lasted about 15 years. And we’re talking about [not] being able to see a doctor, getting sick, getting surgery, paying my rent, when I had less than $7 in my account."
But a cheque from Buffy saved the day... and his career in Hollywood
"A residual from Buffy the Vampire Slayer showed up and saved the day," Pascal continued. "It literally is the reason I was able to stay in [Hollywood] and not give up."
He was Eddie (one episode)
In 1999, during the fourth season of the series, Pascal played Eddie, a potential love interest for the protagonist who lasted only one episode before being turned into a vampire and ultimately staked.
Photo: Buffy The Vampire Slayer - The WB
You'll find Pedro Balmaceda in the credits
Interestingly, at that time, Pedro Pascal was still using the name Pedro Balmaceda, later adopting his mother’s surname after her death.
A lasting friendship
More interesting, or perhaps not so surprising, is that Pedro Pascal and Sarah Michelle Gellar remain good friends 25 years later.
More than a friendship
Despite their close bond, his friendship with Sarah Paulson goes even deeper. Pascal and Paulson met in 1993 at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and became inseparable.
Through thick and thin
During the following years, Sarah Paulson regularly gave Pascal money so he could buy food, due to the many rejections he faced in auditions, as she shared with Esquire.
