“In spite of what my parents went through, they were also very lucky. They carry the guilt of their parents’ humble beginnings. It’s a generational thing, and it made us feel such permission to be and do what we want. It’s some sort of duty. Be grateful.”
-Pedro Pascal, episode 274 of Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso
This week we sit with actor Pedro Pascal! We begin with the release of his new film, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (5:02), working with childhood idol Nicolas Cage (6:50), why his parents left Chile (11:40), the John Hughes classic his dad wouldn’t let him watch (17:00), and the Tony Kushner play (20:21) that inspired him to give acting a go in New York City (25:07).
On the back-half, Pedro reflects on his first jobs on screen (27:52), the story of his mother’s passing (29:50), the friends who kept him afloat (36:20) as he built a career in theater (36:48), redefining childhood dreams in adulthood (42:34), and what really matters to him at age 47 (47:37).
To submit a question, comment, or reflection for our mailbag episode, write us at mail@talkeasypod.com.
Show-notes:
- Purchase tickets to see The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, out in theaters.
- Watch Pedro’s recent performances in The Bubble and House Comes With A Bird.
- Follow Pedro on Instagram and Twitter.
- For more talks, hear our conversations with Tessa Thompson, David Byrne, Cate Blanchett, Janicza Bravo, Questlove, Laura Dern, Colman Domingo, Edward Norton, and Janelle Monáe.
- Order your Talk Easy mug in cream and navy or our vinyl record with Fran Lebowitz.
Illustrations by: Krishna Shenoi.
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