Fresh Air: Pedro Pascal Got Fired A Lot

Release Date: August 14, 2025

In this engaging episode of NPR's Fresh Air, host Tonya Moseley sits down with acclaimed actor Pedro Pascal to explore his multifaceted career, personal history, and the challenges he's overcome on his path to stardom. The conversation delves deep into his breakthrough roles, his family's harrowing escape from Chile, and the personal struggles that have shaped his performances.

Rise to Stardom: From Small Roles to Leading Man

Tonya Moseley opens the discussion by highlighting Pedro Pascal's meteoric rise in Hollywood. Over the past year alone, Pascal has become a ubiquitous figure in both film and television, starring in major projects such as Fantastic Four, First Steps, Eddington, and Celine Song's Materialists. His portrayal of Joel in HBO's The Last of Us has earned him an Emmy nomination, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood's most magnetic leading men.

Pedro Pascal: "You will have to assess and share with everybody whether this is true, I suppose."
[00:01:53]

Pascal's ability to embody complex characters, often portraying reluctant protectors who find family in unexpected places, has resonated deeply with audiences. This connection between his on-screen roles and his personal life adds a layer of authenticity to his performances, making him a relatable and beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

The Last of Us: Navigating Emotional Turmoil

A significant portion of the interview focuses on Pascal’s role in The Last of Us, a series based on the critically acclaimed video game. The show depicts a post-apocalyptic America ravaged by a fungal outbreak, with Pascal’s character, Joel, grappling with the loss of his daughter while protecting a teenage girl, Ellie, who may hold the key to humanity's survival.

Tonya reveals a spoiler about Joel's fate in season two, prompting a heartfelt reaction from Pascal.

Tonya Moseley: "In season two happens and I'm gonna spoil it. You die very early on in a very brutal way."
[02:46]

Pascal speaks candidly about the emotional impact of his character's death, both personally and professionally.

Pedro Pascal: "It's very sadistic to be attached to something. They know it and they play with us and we stick around."
[03:15]

The discussion delves into the ethical and emotional complexities of Joel's decisions, questioning whether his actions are selfish or driven by deeper unresolved grief.

Pedro Pascal: "It is not something he is able to understand because of all of his unprocessed grief and loss over his original daughter that he was unable to save."
[08:21]

Through this, Pascal explores the intricate balance between personal loss and the greater good, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on character motivation and moral dilemmas.

Saturday Night Live 2023: A Personal Milestone

Pedro Pascal's appearance on Saturday Night Live in 2023 is another focal point of the conversation. This event holds particular significance as it coincided with the anniversary of his mother's death, adding emotional weight to his performance.

Pedro Pascal: "It was obviously a sad anniversary for most of my adult life and for my family's life... It was a day of like, achievement and joy, incredible joy and community."
[44:02]

Pascal describes the surreal experience of hosting SNL, sharing how the supportive community and the unwavering presence of his family helped him navigate the personal significance of the event. He reflects on the blend of fear and excitement that comes with performing live, highlighting the professionalism and camaraderie that define the SNL environment.

Early Career Struggles: Fired Multiple Times from Jobs

Before achieving fame, Pedro Pascal endured a challenging period marked by numerous setbacks, including being fired from various restaurant jobs approximately ten times. This segment sheds light on his resilience and determination to pursue acting despite repeated failures.

Pedro Pascal: "Sometimes it was attitude. Yeah. I'm not perfect. And... one manager didn't like my attitude..."
[24:45]

He recounts how these experiences taught him valuable lessons about patience, professionalism, and self-improvement. A particularly supportive manager named Alyssa played a crucial role in helping him develop the skills needed to succeed, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and encouragement.

Pedro Pascal: "She really, really kind of helped me learn instead of through kind of pressure and antagonism, but support."
[25:33]

Family History: Escaping Political Turmoil in Chile

A deeply personal part of the interview explores Pedro Pascal's family history, specifically his parents' escape from Chile during the oppressive regime of Pinochet. While Pascal was a baby at the time, the stories and legacy of his family's struggle have profoundly influenced his worldview and acting approach.

Pedro Pascal: "They were involved in the opposition movement against the military regime under Pinochet... they had to go into hiding and find a way to survive."
[36:14]

Pascal shares the harrowing circumstances that led his parents to seek asylum in Texas, detailing the risks they faced and the resilience required to rebuild their lives in a new country. This background adds depth to his portrayal of characters who navigate loss, survival, and identity.

Passion for Storytelling: From Childhood to Adult

Pedro Pascal discusses his lifelong passion for storytelling, fueled by early influences from movies like E.T., Poltergeist, and The Color Purple. These formative experiences ignited his desire to become an actor and storyteller, shaping his artistic journey.

Pedro Pascal: "I was very, very easy source of building a fantasy of, you know, wishing you were either living these adventures, experiencing these adventures..."
[26:07]

He also touches upon his love for dance and physicality in performance, highlighting how these elements enhance his ability to convey emotion and narrative without words.

Pedro Pascal: "It's physicality in its purest form, and that is choreography in its purest form."
[35:14]

Embracing Fame and Digital Culture

The conversation shifts to Pedro Pascal’s relationship with fame and the digital age. He reflects on becoming a certified meme and the complexities of maintaining authenticity in the age of social media.

Pedro Pascal: "It's a strange relationship. You feel you don't have to a thing that's kind of happening."
[20:15]

Despite the challenges, Pascal expresses gratitude for the opportunities that fame has afforded him, emphasizing his commitment to meaningful projects and genuine connections with his audience.

Conclusion: A Journey of Resilience and Passion

Tonya Moseley wraps up the interview by acknowledging Pedro Pascal's impressive body of work and his ongoing contributions to the arts. Pascal shares his heartfelt appreciation for Fresh Air, citing his long-time connection to NPR through his parents and audiences alike.

Pedro Pascal: "I've been listening to FRESH AIR forever. And getting to sit here with you is very special."
[45:56]

Pedro Pascal's story, as shared on this episode of Fresh Air, is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to his craft. From overcoming early career setbacks to embracing complex roles that mirror his personal history, Pascal exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and depth that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Notable Quotes

• Pedro Pascal on Joel from The Last of Us
  "[08:21] He is the man that didn't save his daughter's life. And he, before that, he was the man that lived for his daughter's life."

• Pedro Pascal on Early Job Struggles
  "[24:45] Sometimes it was attitude. Yeah. I'm not perfect. And... one manager didn't like my attitude..."

• Pedro Pascal on Family History
  "[36:14] They were involved in the opposition movement against the military regime under Pinochet... they had to go into hiding and find a way to survive."

• Pedro Pascal on SNL 2023 Experience
  "[44:02] It was obviously a sad anniversary for most of my adult life and for my family's life... It was a day of like, achievement and joy, incredible joy and community."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Pedro Pascal's interview on Fresh Air, providing listeners and readers alike with a deep understanding of his personal and professional journey.