The younger sister of one of today's biggest Latino stars, Lux Pascal, is claiming her place as one of the actresses that should be on your radar. Over the past year, Lux has starred in a string of exciting projects, all the while using her voice to advocate for trans representation in entertainment and LGBTQ+ rights.
Born on June 4, 1992, in Orange County, California, Lux is the youngest of four siblings, including actor Pedro Pascal and producer Javiera Balmaceda. Her parents, José Balmaceda and Verónica Pascal, went into political exile from Chile but returned to the South American country when she was three years old.
© Getty Images"People aren’t working for you in any situation. You are working for them as much as they are working for you, and I always try to remember that."
It was in her siblings' homeland that Lux's passion for acting blossomed. She studied theater at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and, in 2019, was accepted to the prestigious Juilliard School in New York, where she earned an MFA in acting, graduating in 2023. However, by then, she already starred in several productions, including roles in Chilean TV series such as "Los 80, "Juana Brava," and "Veinteañero a los 40."
One of her most memorable appearances was in 2017, in the third season of Netflix's "Narcos," a project where she worked alongside her brother, Pedro. Incidentally, the series served as a springboard for his acting career. In 2019, she appeared in three Chilean films: "No Quiero Ser Tu Hermano," "El Príncipe," and "Ella es Cristina"—the last earning her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Caleuche Awards.
In 2019, Lux starred in the play "Kassandra," which tackles loaded themes like migration and gender identity. As for her work in television, in recent years, the actress has appeared in series such as "Héroes Invisibles" (2019) and "La Jauría" (2020).
© Getty Images"My humanity does not restrict the humanity of other people."
In February 2021, the actress publicly announced her identity as a transgender woman. This pivotal moment in her personal life has been accompanied by a growing effort to advocate for trans rights, which she has expressed through campaigns and events that promote visibility and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community in the entertainment industry.
In 2025, Lux released what may be the most important project of her career to date: "Miss Carbón," a Spanish-Argentinian film directed by Agustina Macri. In the movie, she embraces her first lead role, portraying Carlita Antonella Rodríguez, the first trans woman to work as a miner in Argentine Patagonia. Inspired by real events, this story explores themes of identity and resilience in the harsh environment of a coal basin in Río Turbio.
The film encapsulates Lux's growth as an actress, not only showcasing a mastery of her craft but also reaffirming her commitment to bringing visibility to her community.
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