On a seemingly ordinary Sunday, George Gountas, a 42-year-old lighting designer for The Daily Show, took a leap into the spotlight, forever changing his life. Living in Brooklyn with his family, Gountas was known primarily as just another parent from Greenpoint. However, this all shifted when he entered a Pedro Pascal lookalike contest, influenced by his wife and colleagues at The Daily Show.
This fun competition wasn’t just any ordinary event; it was endorsed by Son Del North, a popular Mexican restaurant in Manhattan, aiming to challenge Pascal’s tongue-in-cheek statement about the city’s Mexican food scene. For the winner, the stakes included burritos for an entire year, $50 in cash, and, of course, the title of Pedro Pascal’s doppelgänger.
As hundreds gathered outside the restaurant, each participant did their best to embody the beloved actor. When the dust settled, George emerged as the clear winner, much to the delight of the crowd. Pedro Pascal, the man behind the resemblance, even took to social media to express his joy at George’s victory, sharing heart emojis and encouraging words.
In his first post-win interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Gountas reflected on the recognition he has received over the years for looking like Pascal, particularly since Pascal’s rise to fame on shows like Game of Thrones. He recounted how his wife’s reaction was a mix of admiration and light-hearted teasing. Gountas humorously noted, “I look more like him than I look like my own brother,” showcasing the bond formed through this unique resemblance.
Working in the same industry as Pascal has always been a point of intrigue for George. Lighting design for The Daily Show has allowed him to merge his creative vision with his professional life. The camaraderie among the staff is palpable, and when Tyler, a stage manager, discovered the contest announcement, it quickly transformed into a family affair. With the help of his wife and neighbor, George prepared for the event, donning a carefully curated outfit that would stand out in a sea of lookalikes.
Reflecting on the event’s purpose, Gountas mentioned that the contest arose after Pascal humorously criticized New York’s Mexican food. Son Del North aimed to prove him wrong, and according to Gountas, the burritos he’s tried thus far have definitely lived up to their reputation.
The contest itself was wild, attracting an enthusiastic crowd that spilled into the streets of Manhattan. Gountas brought his family along, and as they approached the restaurant, they were met with a wave of energy. He openly admitted that he didn’t officially sign up but confidently walked into the mayhem, ready to embrace the experience.
As he sized up the competition, he humorously commented on the other contestants, appreciating their efforts but acknowledging that his resemblance to Pascal was unmatched. He laughed at the social media banter that ensued, reminding everyone to take the comments lightly.
Winning the contest granted George not just burritos and cash, but also significant attention. The buzz around his victory has led to highlights in media, including a full-page spread in The New York Post, delighting coworkers and family alike. While he basked in this newfound fame, Gountas shared that he was eager to face the playful ribbing he might receive from his colleagues at The Daily Show, particularly from former host Jon Stewart, whom he has yet to hear from regarding the win.
Overall, George Gountas’ life has taken an unexpected turn, serving as a reminder that sometimes, the spotlight finds you when you least expect it. While he may have entered the Pedro Pascal lookalike contest as a lighthearted venture, it has brought him a year’s worth of burritos, a spotlight in the media, and a deeper connection to the community and industry he loves.
This story of transformation not only reminds us of the joy found in playful competition but also showcases the power of community support and the unpredictable twists life can take when one is willing to embrace new experiences. As George continues to navigate his life as both a father and a lighting designer, he knows that he might just remain Brooklyn’s very own Pedro Pascal, at least in spirit, offering him a unique glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of celebrity culture and community.
