Vampire, goth, and FBI agent: who Pedro Pascal played before becoming a superstar

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The actor did not appear out of nowhere; he worked productively for many years.

Did you know that the star of The Mandalorian and The Last of Us once played a vampire that the main character of Buffy had to kill? Or a flamboyant goth with a devilish pentagram on his hand, who speaks an unknown language? Today, his name is on everyone's lips, but the actor spent many years in bit parts, honing his craft.
Actor Pedro Pascal with a broad smile
Pedro Pascal
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If you've fallen in love with talent and want to see where his career began, we have a great selection for you. Here are 5 early series featuring Pedro that show just how versatile an actor he was even before achieving worldwide fame.

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1999)

One of Pascal's earliest television roles was an appearance in Joss Whedon's cult series. In the episode "Freshmen," he played Eddie, a college student who becomes a vampire.
Young Pedro Pascal on an evening street in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
Scene from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
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Despite the short screen time, Pascal managed to create a memorable image of a nice guy whom Buffy meets on the first day of school. The tragic transformation of his character into a vampire and subsequent destruction became one of the emotional moments of the episode.
"Buffy" remains a serious and captivating series, one of the best of its kind. The script is well-written, the characters are well-developed, the dialogues are truly interesting and thought-provoking, plus excellent acting. Joss Whedon is a true genius.
Reviewer dothancore from Imdb

"The Good Wife" (2009-2011)

In this legal drama, Pascal appeared several years before filming Game of Thrones. He played Nathan Landry, an assistant district attorney. His character appeared in several episodes and was remembered by the audience for his integrity and professionalism.
Pedro Pascal in a blazer in the series "The Good Wife"
Scene from the series "The Good Wife"
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The role of Landry became one of the first recurring roles in the actor's career and allowed him to demonstrate his ability to create a cohesive character that develops over several episodes.

According to Collider, Pedro liked this series so much that he continued to watch it long after he said goodbye to the role of Nathan.
This is a show that draws you in, like all great series, gradually capturing your attention until you're hooked. It gives me the same feelings as another great series, 'The Wire'. It's also visually stunning.
Reviewer livingfortoday from Imdb

"The Mentalist" (2010-2011)

A few months before the release of the 4th season of "Game of Thrones" (2014), Pascal appeared in the 6th season of the popular detective series as Special Agent Marcus Pike. His character is a professional and charismatic FBI agent who becomes a rival to the main character for Teresa Lisbon's heart.
Pedro Pascal with an FBI agent badge and Robin Tunney sit at a table in the series "The Mentalist"
Still from the series "The Mentalist"
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In this role, Pascal showed viewers the magnetic appeal that would later make him a star.
"The Mentalist" is one of my favorite cop shows of all time. It's the story of a former 'psychic' who works as a consultant with the California Bureau of Investigation. He uses his incredible mind and observation skills to solve cases in unusual ways. If you're looking for a good show that will bring you a lot of enjoyment, try watching this series, and you won't be disappointed!
Reviewer Rob1331 from Imdb

"NYPD Blue" (1993-2005)

In the legendary police series, Pascal appeared in an unexpected role. He played the flamboyant goth teenager Shane Dio Morrissey, who becomes involved in a criminal incident after a wild party.

Even in this early work, it's evident how deeply Pascal immerses himself in the character.
Young Pedro Pascal in a gothic image in the series "NYPD Blue"
A scene from the series "NYPD Blue"
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According to Looper, the actor skillfully improvised during filming: At one point on the inside of [my character's] palm, a pentagram drawn with a black marker appears, and I lick it. During this action, Pedro utters nonexistent satanic words he made up on the spot.
It's one of the best police dramas of all time. Gritty, candid. Sad, brutal, and gripping.
Reviewer artjames-02668 from Imdb

"Wonder Woman" (unaired pilot, early 2010s)

Few people know about an interesting coincidence in Pascal's career related to the "Wonder Woman" franchise. Long before he played the villain Maxwell Lord in the blockbuster "Wonder Woman 1984" (2020), the actor appeared in the pilot episode of an unproduced series about the superheroine.

In this NBC project, which never aired, Pascal played the role of Los Angeles police detective Ed Indelicato.
Pedro Pascal in a gray jacket in the series "Wonder Woman"
A scene from the series "Wonder Woman"
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Although the pilot did not get the green light for a full series, for fans of the actor's work, it's a real find. It's amazing to see how, almost a decade later, Pascal's career came full circle, bringing him back to the DC universe, but now as the main antagonist.

Which of Pedro Pascal's early roles do you think most foreshadowed his future success?

Previously, we at zoomboola.com reported on five series with Bryan Cranston if you're tired of "Breaking Bad."