In the most stunning development of the week, former Comedy Central lighting designer George Gountas, 43, owned the headlines last Sunday. Seriously, that’s how he won his Pedro Pascal look-alike contest to earn the role, held in New York City! Gountas has frequently found himself likened to the other big time actor known for his work in The Last of Us, The Mandalorian, and Game of Thrones. Most recently, he turned heads on-screen and off, not for the gravity of his portrayal, but for how closely he resembles the star.
Stage manager Tyler Goldman staged the contest, bringing together Gountas’s coworkers and friends. They were impressed because they couldn’t help but notice the resemblance between him and Pascal. This is true for the simple fact that Pascal played Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones. In fact, even Jon Stewart himself remarked, “I’ve never noticed that he looks like Pedro Pascal,” when confronted with the resemblance.
When speaking at the event, Gountas shared how he was feeling to be part of such an event. “I’ve been in the industry for many years. I’ve been around famous people. The thing that I was most, not scared of, the most uneasy about, was coming here today,” he admitted. Needless to say, he overcame his fears and emerged victorious, winning the competition and burritos and a $50 prize at the end.
Jenny Gania, Gountas’s wife, shared her thoughts on her husband’s newfound fame. Yolanda, whose comment expressed happiness to see Gountas getting more love. She was particularly thrilled to have the opportunity to meet Pedro Pascal as well. This whimsical sentiment sums up the creative, spirited nature of the contest. It further highlights the palpable enthusiasm surrounding Gountas’s uncanny likeness to one of Tinseltown’s breakout sensations.
When news of this interview began to circulate within the ALA community, Gountas delivered a touching open plea to Pascal in his interview. He mentioned being a fan of the actor’s work and looking forward to connecting. That mixture of flattery and terror was something everyone who watched the event felt.
Onlookers have noted that Gountas’s resemblance to Pascal has become more apparent in recent years, especially following Pascal’s breakout roles. His win in the look-alike contest sparked conversations with fans and peers. This accomplishment only deepens his tie to the legacy of Academy Award winner and frequent collaborator, Robin Williams.
