Ariela Burer on Acting Journey & The Last of Us Experience
content: From LA Childhood to HBO Stardom
Ariela Burer's journey to The Last of Us began unexpectedly in Los Angeles, where growing up near Hollywood's ecosystem shaped her path. The actress revealed her non-industry background during her Good Morning America appearance, noting how her Mexican immigrant parents navigated LA's unique landscape. One pivotal childhood moment cemented her connection to entertainment: "We rushed to what we thought was our emergency hospital only to discover it was a Scrubs set," Burer shared. This accidental immersion in film production foreshadowed her future career.
Her parents' unconventional approach to movie ratings exposed her to sophisticated cinema early. At just 13, they introduced her to Pulp Fiction – a formative experience that solidified her passion for film acting over theater. "They took PG-13 ratings as light suggestions," Burer joked, crediting her parents' influence for her cinematic education.
Overcoming Superhero Fears On-Set
Despite early exposure to intense films, Burer confessed an unexpected fear: "Superhero movies overwhelmed me as a child. Iron Man was the first film where I had to hide in the back." This made her casting in Marvel's Runaways particularly ironic. She described the Hulu series as "exposure therapy," even bringing an emotional support dinosaur to set. This vulnerability transformed into professional growth, allowing her to now appreciate superhero projects like the upcoming Superman film starring her friend Isabela Merced.
content: Behind The Last of Us Scenes with Pedro Pascal
Working on HBO's hit series presented unique challenges. Burer's first scene required applying a tourniquet to co-star Pedro Pascal's upper thigh immediately upon meeting him. "It was 'hello, nice to meet you' while cutting off his circulation," she recalled. Nerves led her to rush the complex medical procedure, resulting in an unexpected reshoot. Showrunner Craig Maizin noted her speed made the action appear "superhuman" rather than authentic.
Burer emphasized Pascal's professionalism throughout the experience: "He's the biggest gentleman and such an icon." Her initial intimidation gave way to appreciation for his collaborative spirit during their intense scenes. This reshoot experience taught her a crucial acting lesson: authenticity sometimes requires sitting with discomfort rather than rushing through moments.
Actionable Advice for Aspiring Actors
- Seek diverse cinematic exposure – Study both classic and contemporary films beyond surface-level entertainment
- Embrace challenging roles – Use professional opportunities as growth experiences (like Burer's superhero "exposure therapy")
- Prepare for physical acting – Research authentic movement for medical, combat, or technical scenes
- Observe set veterans – Note how established professionals like Pascal maintain grace under pressure
- Reframe nervous energy – Channel first-day jitters into focused performance rather than avoidance
content: Industry Insights and Future Outlook
Burer's background offers unique perspective on Hollywood accessibility. "Growing up in LA doesn't guarantee industry access," she clarified, describing how immigrant families navigate entertainment barriers. Her parents' support proved essential when she committed to acting in middle school.
Looking ahead, Burer sees increasing opportunities for Latinx actors but notes authentic representation requires nuance beyond token roles. Her advice? "Study the craft deeply" – citing her parents' film education as foundational to her Last of Us audition success.
When trying the on-set techniques above, which skill do you anticipate being most challenging? Share your acting journey below!
Final Thought: Burer's path demonstrates that authentic performances stem from embracing both professional challenges and personal heritage – a lesson visible in every frame of her Last of Us work.
