Pedro Pascal, known for his roles in “The Mandalorian” and “Game of Thrones,” has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. But behind his success lies a harrowing tale of his family’s immigration from Chile. In a recent episode of the “Smartless” podcast, Pascal shared the gripping details of how his parents became political refugees during the oppressive rule of dictator Augusto Pinochet in the 1970s.
At the time, Pascal’s parents were young college students in Chile, not involved in any revolutionary activities. However, his mother’s first cousin played an active role in the opposition movement against the military regime. Pascal revealed that during a gunfight, an unrelated victim sought refuge in their home, and his father, a resident doctor, provided medical assistance. In an act of compassion, Pascal’s parents agreed to hide the injured person for some time.
Little did they know that this act of kindness would make them targets. The person they sheltered was captured, tortured, and coerced into revealing names. The authorities came searching for Pascal’s parents, forcing them to go into hiding for six long months. Finally, they devised a desperate plan to seek asylum by physically climbing over the wall of the Venezuelan embassy in Santiago.
Their daring escape was successful, and Pascal, who was just four months old at the time, found safety in Denmark before eventually immigrating to the United States. Raised by his resilient parents in Texas and Southern California, Pascal attributes his success to their courage and sacrifice. In his poignant “Saturday Night Live” monologue, he thanked his parents for their bravery, acknowledging that without them, he wouldn’t be standing on that stage.
Pedro Pascal’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the determination to create a better life against all odds. His journey from political refugee to Hollywood star serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the power of perseverance and the importance of cherishing the opportunities afforded to us in this wonderful country.
