While Pedro Pascal is garnering attention for his role in Gladiator II, Lux Pascal, his sister, was the real highlight of the red carpet this week.
The activist and transgender actress has been carving her own path in the entertainment business.
The Lux Pascal Transformation
Lux Pascal’s journey is one of determination and profound development. She has entirely accepted her new persona, renouncing her prior life as Lucas Balmaceda.
Lux was born in California on June 4, 1992, to a family with significant political and aristocratic roots in Chile. Her parents, José Balmaceda Riera and Verónica Pascal Ureta, come from the well-known Balmaceda family, which has strong links to the Castilian-Basque aristocracy.
Following the 1973 Chilean coup, Lux’s family history changed dramatically. Verónica, her mother, had ties to Andrés Pascal Allende, a pivotal figure in the revolutionary movement and the cousin of Salvador Allende. This romance drove the family into exile. They sought shelter in Denmark before moving to San Antonio, Texas.
In an interview with Esquire, her older brother Pedro said that the family then relocated to Orange County, where he spent his early years.
Another watershed event in the family’s journey came when Lux was just three years old and they decided to return to Chile.
Lux Pascal, her brothers, and sisters
Lux had to adapt to an entirely new culture when she returned to Chile. This cultural change became even more obvious when she attended Saint George’s College, a prestigious institution associated with Chile’s social elite, and witnessed the country’s stark socioeconomic disparities firsthand.
Lux is the youngest of four siblings, with two elder brothers (Pedro and Nicolás) and an older sister, Javiera. Pedro would pay her periodic visits when she, her parents, and Nicolás returned to Chile, and he quickly learned that his youngest sister, who was 17 years his junior, had taken on the position of leader of the household.
She instantly assumed control of the house. Pedro confessed in an interview with Esquire, “My older sister and I were like intruders when we would visit.” “It was ridiculous for us to believe that we had any sort of claim to this woman’s attention, even though our mother was her mother.”
Lux studied theater at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, which piqued her interest in acting. Her enthusiasm for the art became deeper, and she eventually joined the prestigious Juilliard School in New York to further her skills.
What makes Lux Pascal well-known?
Lux Pascal made her theatrical debut in Pablo Rotemberg’s play La noche obstinada in 2014, during her fourth year of drama school. She made her television debut the same year, as Axel Miller in the Canal 13 series Los 80.
Lux is currently a well-known American-Chilean actress who is also an outspoken transgender advocate. She has gained accolades for her roles in the movie The Prince, the Chilean television series Veinteañero a los 40, and Juana Brava. These projects have helped solidify her growing reputation in the entertainment industry.
Despite being born into an affluent family with qualities considered “Caucasian” by Chilean norms, Lux emphasizes that her career did not build on luxury. She has freely acknowledged how she has faced prejudice in the television industry based on her identity, particularly as an LGBT person. Lux noted that people frequently misjudged her abilities to play straight characters.
Lux Pascal’s Self-Discovery Journey.
Lux Pascal came out as a transgender woman in public in February 2021, using her mother’s surname to better reflect her true identity.
She originally came out as a homosexual man years ago, signaling the start of her path of self-discovery. She eventually revealed her nonbinary status to her family.
Lux elaborated, saying, “It didn’t cost me anything to come out as a gay man, but it wasn’t who I was in my heart.” It wasn’t me, but it was only a step in the process. The reality was, “If you only knew how I really feel,” yet it was simple to express.
Accepting womanhood
Lux increasingly accepted her gender identity. In an open interview with Ya Magazine, she revealed that she began hormone therapy in 2020, which was a critical step in her transition.
Lux continued, “Everyone in my family has found my transition to be very natural; it’s almost like they expected it to happen.”
Pedro Pascal, her brother, has been strong in his support. When Lux came out as transgender, Pedro joyously shared the magazine cover revealing her story, writing in Spanish, “Mi hermana, mi corazón, nuestra Lux”—”My sister, my heart, our Lux.”
What did Pedro Pascal, her brother, say?
Pedro Pascal, Lux Pascal’s brother, has been a pillar of support throughout her ordeal. Pedro supported her throughout her transition and was one of the first to congratulate her on coming out as transgender.
“He has been a mentor to me and is an artist,” Lux said. “He was among the first individuals to give me the instruments that began to mold my identity.”
Pedro’s initial reaction when Lux revealed herself as transgender during a FaceTime session was one of concern and fascination. “How are you feeling?” he said, exhibiting concern. “Perfect, this is incredible,” Pedro said happily as Lux informed him that she was satisfied.
Pedro Pascal is a staunch supporter of the LGBTQIA community, as well as a dedicated and caring ally to his sister. Using his position to push for inclusiveness and acceptance, he actively supports the cause on social media and in person.
Pedro Pascal’s Ongoing Support
In March 2023, as trans rights faced mounting hurdles, The Mandalorian star Pedro Pascal expressed sympathy on Instagram by posting photographs of a rainbow flag. This was not an isolated act; Pedro has frequently shown his support for the LGBTQIA community, notably during Pride Month, displaying his dedication to the cause year after year.
Pedro, conversely, approaches his activism with a strong sense of personal responsibility. In an emotional interview, he showed enormous pride in his sister, Lux, adding, “I wouldn’t want to speak on her behalf, but she is and has always been one of the most powerful people and personalities I’ve ever known.”
His affection for Lux is undeniable, but it is his protective personality that truly shines through. Pedro describes his protectiveness for his younger sister as “lethal,” highlighting their strong bond.
Lux Pascal on Instagram.
Lux Pascal is an avid Instagram user, where she connects with hundreds of thousands of followers who anxiously follow her progress. She keeps people updated on her personal and professional life, providing peeks inside her world.
Surprisingly, her Instagram does not include images from her life before her transformation into Lucas. Lux, on the other hand, has stated that she does not feel uncomfortable reflecting on her history. “It doesn’t make me anxious to see old photos of myself,” she told me. “The same thing happens to me with theater: I see someone who was doing what they liked.”
Aside from her acting profession, Lux is a strong champion for LGBTQIA rights, utilizing her platform to raise awareness and promote equality. She is very outspoken on transgender issues and the battle against prejudice. That’s what she said: “We need trans activists who are good, smart, and informed and who can be strong voices against transphobia, homophobia, and racism.”
Pedro Pascal’s Continued Assistance
Pedro Pascal, the actor of The Mandalorian, supported transgender rights in March 2023 by uploading photos of a rainbow flag on Instagram. Pedro has consistently shown his support for the LGBTQIA community, particularly during Pride Month, demonstrating his commitment to the cause year after year; thus, this was not an isolated incident.
However, Pedro’s activism is very personal. “I wouldn’t want to speak on her behalf, but she is and has always been one of the most powerful people and personalities I’ve ever known,” he remarked in a heartfelt interview, expressing immense pride in his sister Lux.
He certainly admires Lux, but what truly stands out is his protectiveness of her. Pedro describes his protectiveness of his younger sister as “lethal,” indicating their strong attachment.
Lux Pascal’s Instagram Account
Lux Pascal has an active presence on Instagram, interacting with hundreds of thousands of fans who excitedly watch her growth. She provides regular updates on her life, both personal and professional, offering followers a glimpse inside her world.
It’s important to note that Lux’s Instagram does not contain any photos from her life before she changed her name to Lucas. Lux, on the other hand, has remarked that reflecting about her past does not make her uneasy. “Looking at old pictures of myself doesn’t make me nervous,” she told me. “I see someone doing what they enjoyed in the theater, and I experience the same thing.”
Outside of her acting job, Lux is a strong advocate of LGBTQIA rights, and she uses her platform to raise awareness and equality. She frequently speaks out against discrimination and for gender equality. “We need trans activists who are good, smart, and informed and who can be strong voices against transphobia, homophobia, and racism,” she said with great conviction.
Relationship of Lux Pascal
Lux Pascal and José Antonio Raffo have maintained a dedicated connection since 2011. José Antonio, a gifted actor, was born on January 3, 1992, in Las Condes, Santiago, Chile. His performances in Una mujer fantástica, Perdona Nuestros Pecados, and Pobre Gallo have left a lasting impression.
The couple’s romance began in college and has grown stronger over time.
“My girlfriend and I will always be in love.” Now ten years have gone. During an interview with Podemos Hablar, Raffo passionately described his relationship with Lux, saying, “She’s my best friend, my favorite actress—she’s the best.”
Their love has survived despite the challenges of distance, such as Lux’s move to New York to pursue acting studies.
The Relationship Between José Antonio Raffo and Lux Pascal
Lux Pascal’s boyfriend since 2011, José Antonio Raffo, stated of their relationship, “If it didn’t fall apart before, it’s because deep down what we have is strong, and I believe that is the most important thing.” Love can overcome distance, time, and other life challenges.
Lux affectionately nicknames him “Raffito” on social media and occasionally publishes images of their time together. On his birthday in January 2023, she published two beautiful photos of them on the beach, which was a fitting tribute. “Raffito, you make my heart sing,” she said in the description to the shot.
According to his Instagram, Raffo is not only an actor but also a talented singer and guitarist who performs with the band Tempera.
Where is Lux Pascal’s house located?
Lux appears to divide her time between Chile and New York, balancing her personal and professional lives between the two, according to her social media posts.
Lux Pascal attended Gladiator II’s premiere.
Lux Pascal, Pedro Pascal’s 17-year-old sister, was the focus of attention at the Gladiator II premiere. The transgender activist and actress fully backed her brother as he made his spectacular red carpet presentation at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square.
Lux, 32, drew attention with a stunning long-sleeved dress that was form-fitting, aggressively cut, and accented with an emerald buckle. She established her reputation as a rising star by exuding elegance and confidence while in the spotlight.
Pedro, who plays Roman General Marcus Acacius in the film, cemented his reputation as a Hollywood heartthrob by appearing effortlessly smart in a sleek black costume.
Lux posted a heartfelt message on Instagram in the days after the premiere.