The Last of Us is one of the most talked-about shows on TV. Aside from the gore and impressive action sequences, the series is known for its star-studded cast, filled with character actors that range from Nick Offerman to Catherine O'Hara. This past Sunday, Tony Dalton made his series debut, playing an imposing and fraught interpretation of Pedro Pascal's onscreen dad.
The series co-creator and director of the past episode, Neil Druckmann, revealed that Dalton was his first choice for the part.
"I just loved his performance so much in 'Better Call Saul.' I jokingly refer to him as the most charming, threatening man I've ever seen on television," said Druckmann to Entertainment Weekly.
Dalton stars as Javier Miller, the father of Joel and Tommy, played by Pascal and Gabriel Luna. While his role is limited to one scene, Dalton plays a key part in developing a better understanding of Joel, his relationship with his brother, and, many years later, his relationship with his surrogate daughter Ellie (Bella Ramsey).
"To me, what the arc of this episode provides is a platform to say, when we live with intentionality, we can make healthier choices, but what that requires is reflection. That requires Joel to look back at his father and his identity and say, 'I want to be that better dad,'" said Druckmann.
More details about Dalton's career
While Dalton has acquired some notorious roles throughout his career in Hollywood, starring in "Daredevil: Born Again," "Hawkeye," and "Better Call Saul," for which he was nominated for a SAG Award, Spanish-speakers and telenovela watchers might have known him at the start of his career.
Born in Laredo, Texas, and raised in Mexico City, Dalton was a part of many famous Mexican telenovelas and films, playing dark and troubled characters, as he's done in much of his Hollywood work. Some of his roles include "Clase 406" and "Rebelde," where he played one of the series' villains, Gaston Diestro.