Off-Screen Life of Pedro Pascal: From Name Change to Game of Thrones Romance Rumors - OK! Magazine

Pedro Pascal is gearing up for one of his most significant roles to date as he steps into the Marvel Universe's Fantastic Four, set to hit UK cinemas soon.

This is no small feat given that the actor's recent credits include starring in one of the world's biggest television series and a highly popular Star Wars spin-off. In his latest role, Pascal will portray comic book hero Reed Richards.

The character is being tipped to succeed Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark as the leader of the Avengers. Fans eager to see what this entails will have to hold their breath until 25 July when the film premieres across the UK.

But who exactly is Pedro Pascal? What was his early career like that led him to where he is today, and what's the scoop on the dating rumours surrounding the actor?, reports the Mirror. Here's everything you need to know.

Born José Pedro Balmaceda Pascal on 2 April 1975, Pedro Pascal is a Chilean-American actor. He has an older sister who works as a film and TV producer, a younger brother, and a younger sister who is both an actress and a transgender activist.

Pascal has been outspoken in his support for his sister and the transgender community. He stirred some controversy with comments criticising Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. In an Instagram post, he referred to her as a 'heinous loser' for her views on the subject.

Pedro Pascal had a tumultuous early life. His parents were declared enemies of the state by Chile's Pinochet regime, forcing the family to flee when Pedro was just nine months old.

They initially sought asylum in Denmark before moving to the US, where Pedro grew up in Texas and California. He honed his acting skills at the Orange County School of the Arts and New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, graduating in 1997.

Pedro refers to the early years of his career as his 'give up' years. He nearly quit several times, believing that if he hadn't made it by 29, the industry wasn't for him. To make ends meet, he waited tables and credits his dog for saving his life during this challenging period.

Despite his doubts, his friends and family always encouraged him to keep going. His older sister recalls that they knew he wanted to act from the age of four and believed he was too talented to give up.

The death of his mother Veronica added to the hardship of these years. In tribute to her, and because he thought it would be easier for Americans to pronounce, he changed his stage name to Pascal, dropping his paternal name of Balmaceda.

While he bagged a few minor roles in TV and film from 1999, it was his 2014 casting as Oberyn Martell that truly put him on the global map. His appearance in seven episodes of the show's fourth season, including his dramatic entrance, commanding presence, and shocking death scene, marked a significant turning point in his career.

He has since become one of the most sought-after actors in the industry. Not only for the roles he lands but also for the behind-the-scenes tales shared by his co-stars. Vanity Fair reports that his nicknames range from Pepelo, Pipi, Pedders, Peds, Pedg to even Pepsi.

His impressive portfolio includes leading roles in Netflix's Narcos, Star Wars series The Mandalorian, and HBO's The Last of US. He has also starred in films like Wonder Woman 1984, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, and Gladiator II.

This year, in addition to Fantastic Four, he will be seen in the modern western Eddington and the romantic comedy Materialists, where he stars opposite Dakota Johnson. Thanks to his recent success, Parade magazine estimates his net worth to be around $10 million.

Pedro Pascal has openly discussed his battle with anxiety, something he says he has grappled with since childhood.

In a chat with co-star Bella Ramsey while promoting The Last of Us, he revealed his habit of keeping a hand on his stomach, often whilst strutting the red carpet and posing for snaps, as a way to cope.

His fellow actors have also been seen assisting him with this, as Fantastic Four star Vanessa Kirby was spotted several times holding his hand during public outings to support him.

Pedro Pascal keeps his love life rather hush-hush. However, this hasn't stopped the actor from being the subject of numerous whispers.

These include connections between him and Game of Thrones co-star Lena Headey. Neither responded to the rumours and Headey has since tied the knot.

On a Reddit AMA, Pascal said of her: ''She is so funny and so smart, such a good person, a good friend and a good mother, I think everyone on that set and anyone who comes in contact with her develops an instant crush. Talk about male or female, you're going to get a crush on her easy.'.

Earlier this year, Pascal was seen out and about in Los Angeles with Friends star Jennifer Aniston, sparking speculation that the two were a couple. However, at The Last of Us season two premiere, Pascal clarified that they were simply having dinner with mutual friends.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in cinemas July 25