'One of the most powerful people I've known': Pedro Pascal says he admires his transgender sister Lux
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Pedro Pascal, known for his roles in 'The Mandalorian' and 'Narcos,' recently spoke with Esquire about his younger sister Lux, who is a trans woman and an upcoming graduate with an MFA from Juilliard. Pascal spoke of his admiration for his sister, saying, "She ruled the household right away." He added that when he and his older sister visited, "Our mother was her mother, but for us to think that we were entitled to this woman's attention in any way was absurd."
Lux publicly came out as trans in 2021 and spoke about the role that her brother played in her journey. "Pedro was one of the first people to gift me the tools to be able to shape my identity. He was an important part of this...he's been a guide," she said. Pascal also expressed his love and support for his sister, saying, "She is one of the most powerful people that I've ever known, in so many ways...She's just really become even more of herself."
READ MORE
Liked 'The Last of Us'? Here are 5 Pedro Pascal movies you may have missed
3 upcoming Pedro Pascal movies and TV shows you wouldn't want to miss
Anti-transgender laws: Pascal on Lux's resilience
The past couple of years have been particularly harsh for the transgender community as evidenced by the unprecedented number of anti-transgender laws being passed. This year alone, the Republican party has intensified its anti-LGBTQ+ stance with over 450 bills aimed at limiting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals currently going through state legislatures.
According to a poll published by the Trevor Project in January, the recent debates over state laws that restrict the rights of transgender people have taken a heavy toll on their mental health with 86% of transgender and non-binary youth saying they have been affected. When asked about how Lux is coping during this period, Pascal expressed his reluctance to speak for her, stating that she is one of the most formidable people and personalities he has ever known. He added, "While my protective side is deadly, I rely on her more than she relies on me."
Pascal's rising success
Having faced his fair share of struggles earlier in his acting career, it's safe to say that Pascal is now experiencing a moment of success. The Chilean-born actor has taken on leading roles in two of the year's most popular shows 'The Last of Us' and 'The Mandalorian' with some critics even speculating that his portrayal of Joel in 'The Last of Us' could earn him his first Emmy nomination.
However, before the Emmys ceremony in September, Pascal will be starring alongside Ethan Hawke in the 30-minute queer western 'Strange Way of Life,' directed by the renowned filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar. Pascal plays the character of Silva who reunites with his longtime friend Jake (Hawke) after 25 years. The film is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May. In Pascal's own words, "I'm very excited for the world to see 'Strange Way of Life.' It's such an honor to work with Pedro Almodóvar, Ethan Hawke, and the rest of the cast and crew on this project. I hope audiences enjoy the film as much as we enjoyed making it."