For years, Pedro Pascal has been the definitive textbook example of a hardworking industry stalwart - the quintessential 'that guy' actor who popped up everywhere on television yet remained largely a household name-in-waiting. Before headlining massive global franchises like The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, Pascal spent decades grinding through guest-star spots, stage productions, and minor recurring television roles while navigating the grueling realities of Hollywood's unrelenting audition circuit.

His recent meteoric rise to A-list superstardom is a testament to resilience. It just goes on to prove that while breaking into the industry often demands enduring a tremendous amount of hardship, persistence can ultimately pave the way for a long-overdue and triumphant Hollywood reckoning.

Looking back at those days, Pascal wishes that someone would have told his younger self the bitter truth about making it into Hollywood.

Pedro Pascal openly shared the blunt reality of actually making it into Hollywood during a recent episode of the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast. While the actor appeared on the podcast to talk about his latest Tony Gilroy project, Behemoth!, he was asked about advice he wished someone had given to his younger self - the one that was still fighting to make it big in Hollywood.

“You’ve got to eat s***, and you’ve got to take a lot of s***. That’s part of it,” Pascal told Variety.

According to the Materialists star, navigating those professional indignities serves a vital purpose, shaping one's character and fostering a deep-seated appreciation for empathy and kindness. He emphasized that surviving those steep climbs ultimately reinforces the importance of treating others well and safeguarding a spirit of generosity, noting that karma has a way of coming back around.

Looking back on his own hard-won trajectory, he was quick to credit his success entirely to the kindness of mentors and peers who extended a helping hand when he needed it most. He expressed a profound sense of gratitude toward the vast community of people who supported him throughout his journey later in the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast.

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Pedro Pascal is currently tied up with press and promotional appearances for Tony Gilroy's drama film Behemoth!, which is centered around a cellist.

In the upcoming film Behemoth!, Pedro Pascal stars as Alex Serian, a former child prodigy hailing from a lineage of Los Angeles studio musicians. The narrative follows Alex as he returns home after spending two decades away on tour to compose Hollywood cinematic scores. Serving as a passionate tribute to movie soundtracks and the unsung artisans who craft them, the project traces his deeply personal journey through the intricate dynamics of his professional and personal life.

Slated for a US theatrical rollout on December 4, 2026, the picture has already drawn favorable early acclaim, with critics singling out Pascal's standout performance and the film's assured direction for high praise. The film has even rung the early Oscar bell at the film's New York Film Festival (NYFF) premiere. Now, it remains to be seen if the audiences will agree with this critical hype.

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Do you agree with what Pedro Pascal said about the early days of struggle in Hollywood? Do let us know in the comments.