Although Pedro Pascal is making waves for his part in Gladiator II, Lux Pascal, his sister, was the real star of the red carpet this past week.
The activist and transgender actress has been blazing her own trail in the entertainment industry.
The Lux Pascal Transformation
Lux Pascal’s path is one of resolve and significant transformation. She has completely accepted her new identity today, abandoning her previous life as Lucas Balmaceda.
Lux was born in California on June 4, 1992, and comes from a family with strong political and aristocratic ties to Chile. José Balmaceda Riera and Verónica Pascal Ureta, her parents, are members of the well-known Balmaceda family, which is well-known for its ties to the Castilian-Basque nobility.
Following the 1973 Chilean coup, Lux’s family history took a significant shift. Verónica, her mother, was associated with Andrés Pascal Allende, a prominent member of the revolutionary movement and Salvador Allende’s cousin. The family was pushed into exile because of this relationship. They first sought safety in Denmark before relocating to San Antonio, Texas.
In an interview with Esquire, her older brother Pedro disclosed that the family later moved to Orange County, where he spent his early years.
Another pivotal moment in the family’s journey occurred when Lux was just three years old and they made the decision to return to Chile.
Lux Pascal and Her Brothers and Sisters
Lux had to adjust to a completely different culture when she returned to Chile. When she attended Saint George’s College, a prominent institution connected to Chile’s social elite, and saw firsthand the country’s glaring socioeconomic differences, this cultural shift became even more apparent.
With two older brothers, Pedro and Nicolás, and an older sister, Javiera, Lux is the youngest of four siblings. Pedro would occasionally visit her after she and her parents and Nicolás returned to Chile, and he soon realized that his youngest sibling, who was 17 years his junior, had taken on the role of the head of the home.
She immediately took charge of the home. In an interview with Esquire, Pedro revealed, “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 sparked her interest in acting. Her passion for the art only grew stronger, and she finally attended the esteemed Juilliard School in New York to refine her abilities.
What Makes Lux Pascal Well-Known?
Lux Pascal made her stage debut in Pablo Rotemberg’s play La noche obstinada in 2014, while she was in her fourth year of theater school. She made her television debut in the same year, starring as Axel Miller in the Canal 13 series Los 80.
Lux is now a well-known American-Chilean actress who is also an ardent transgender campaigner. She has received praise for her performances in the movie The Prince and Chilean television series Veinteañero a los 40 and Juana Brava. Her increasing prominence in the entertainment sector has been cemented by these projects.
Lux stresses that her career was not founded on luxury, even though she was born into a wealthy family with characteristics that are seen as “Caucasian” by Chilean standards. She has openly discussed how she has experienced discrimination in the television industry because of her identity, especially as an LGBT person. Lux revealed that people frequently erroneously questioned her ability to play heterosexual roles.
Lux Pascal’s Self-Discovery Journey
Lux Pascal came out as a transgender woman in public in February 2021, taking on her mother’s last name to better represent who she really is.
She first came out as a gay guy years ago, which marked the beginning of her journey of self-discovery. She later disclosed her nonbinary identity to her family.
Lux clarified, “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 stage in the process. The truth was, “If you only knew how I really feel,” but it was simple to say.
Accepting Womanhood
Lux gradually came to accept her gender identity. She disclosed that she started hormone therapy in 2020, which was a crucial phase in her transition, in an open interview with Ya Magazine.
Lux said, “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 remained steadfast in his support. Pedro enthusiastically posted the magazine cover announcing Lux’s story when she came out as transgender, adding in Spanish, “Mi hermana, mi corazón, nuestra Lux”—”My sister, my heart, our Lux.”
What Has Pedro Pascal, Her Brother, Said?
Pedro Pascal, Lux Pascal’s brother, has been a rock of support for her along her journey. Pedro has supported her throughout her journey, from offering encouragement during her transition to being among the first to congratulate her on her coming out as transgender.
Lux said, “He has been a mentor to me and is also an artist.” “He was among the first individuals to give me the instruments that began to mold my identity.”
Pedro’s first reaction when Lux came out as transgender in a FaceTime conversation was one of concern and interest. “How are you feeling?” he inquired, expressing some worry. “Perfect, this is incredible,” Pedro said enthusiastically when Lux reassured him that she was satisfied.
Pedro Pascal is a strong supporter of the LGBTQIA community and a devoted and affectionate ally of his sister. Using his platform to advocate for inclusivity and acceptance, he actively supports the cause on social media and in real life.
Pedro Pascal’s Ongoing Support
In March 2023, as trans rights faced increasing challenges, The Mandalorian star Pedro Pascal stood in solidarity by sharing photos of a rainbow flag on Instagram. This act was not an isolated gesture; Pedro has consistently shown his support for the LGBTQIA community, particularly during Pride Month, demonstrating his commitment to the cause year after year.
For Pedro, however, this advocacy is deeply personal. In a heartfelt interview, he expressed immense pride in his sister, Lux, saying, “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 admiration for Lux is unmistakable, but it’s his protective nature that truly stands out. When it comes to his little sister, Pedro describes his protectiveness as “lethal,” a testament to the deep bond they share.
Lux Pascal on Instagram
Lux Pascal is an active presence on Instagram, where she connects with hundreds of thousands of followers who eagerly follow her journey. She regularly updates fans about her personal and professional life, offering glimpses into her world.
Interestingly, her Instagram does not feature photos from her life before her transition as Lucas. However, Lux has expressed that she feels no discomfort when reflecting on her past. “It doesn’t make me anxious to see old photos of myself,” she shared. “The same thing happens to me with theater: I see someone who was doing what they liked.”
Beyond her acting career, Lux is a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA rights, using her platform to raise awareness and promote equality. She is particularly vocal about trans rights and the fight against discrimination. As she powerfully stated, “We need trans activists who are good, smart, informed, and who can be strong voices against transphobia, homophobia, and racism.”
Pedro Pascal’s Continued Assistance
Pedro Pascal, star of The Mandalorian, showed support for trans rights in March 2023 by posting pictures of a rainbow flag on Instagram. Pedro has continuously showed his support for the LGBTQIA community, especially during Pride Month, proving his dedication to the cause year after year, therefore this deed was not an isolated one.
But this advocacy is very personal to Pedro. “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 said in a touching interview, expressing his enormous pride in his sister Lux.
He clearly admires Lux, but what really sticks out is how protective he is of her. Pedro calls his protectiveness of his younger sister “lethal,” which is evidence of their close relationship.
Lux Pascal’s Instagram account
On Instagram, Lux Pascal maintains an active presence and interacts with hundreds of thousands of followers who enthusiastically follow her progress. She gives fans regular updates about her life, including both personal and professional, giving them a peek into her world.
It’s interesting to note that there are no pictures on her Instagram from her life prior to changing her name to Lucas. Lux, however, has stated that she is not uncomfortable thinking back on her history. “Looking at old pictures of myself doesn’t make me nervous,” she said. “I see someone doing what they enjoyed in the theater, and I experience the same thing.”
Lux is a fervent supporter of LGBTQIA rights outside of her acting career, using her position to spread equality and awareness. She speaks up a lot about the struggle against prejudice and gender rights. “We need trans activists who are good, smart, informed, and who can be strong voices against transphobia, homophobia, and racism,” she said very forcefully.
The Relationship of Lux Pascal
Since 2011, Lux Pascal and José Antonio Raffo have been together in a committed partnership. José Antonio is a talented actor who was born in Las Condes, Santiago, Chile, on January 3, 1992. He is well-known for his roles in Una mujer fantástica, Perdona Nuestros Pecados, and Pobre Gallo.
The couple’s romance started while they were in college and has only grown stronger with time.
“My girlfriend and I will always be in love. Now, ten years have passed. During an interview on Podemos Hablar, Raffo talked enthusiastically about his connection with Lux and said, “She’s my best friend, my favorite actress—she’s the best.”
Their love has endured despite the difficulties of distance, such as Lux’s departure to New York to pursue acting studies.
The Connection Between José Antonio Raffo and Lux Pascal
Speaking on the strength of their relationship, Lux Pascal’s boyfriend since 2011 José Antonio Raffo said, “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.” Distance, time, and other hardships life presents can all be overcome by love.
Lux lovingly calls him “Raffito” on social media and periodically posts photos of their time together. On his birthday in January 2023, she shared two happy pictures of them on the beach, which was a noteworthy homage. “Raffito, you make my heart sing,” she wrote as the caption for the photo.
According to his Instagram, Raffo is not only an actor but also a gifted singer and guitarist who plays with the band Tempera.
Lux Pascal’s residence is where?
Lux seems to split her time between Chile and New York, juggling her personal and professional lives between the two places, according to her social media posts.
Lux Pascal at the Premiere of Gladiator II
Lux Pascal, the 17-year-old sister of Pedro Pascal, was the center of attention at the Gladiator II premiere. The transgender activist and actress supported her brother wholeheartedly as he made his dramatic appearance on the red carpet at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square.
Lux, 32, attracted attention with a gorgeous long-sleeved dress that was form-fitting, boldly cut, and adorned with an emerald buckle. She reaffirmed her status as a rising star by radiating elegance and confidence while in the spotlight.
Pedro, who plays Roman General Marcus Acacius in the movie, further solidified his status as a Hollywood hottie by looking effortlessly dapper in a sleek black outfit.
Lux posted a touching remark on her Instagram in the days after the premiere:
