Daily Show Lighting Designer Wins Pedro Pascal Lookalike Contest

In a surprising turn of events, George Gountas, a lighting designer for 'The Daily Show,' emerged victorious in a recent Pedro Pascal lookalike contest held at a Mexican restaurant in Brooklyn. The event, which attracted a large crowd, was organized to challenge the actor’s claim that New York City lacks good Mexican food. Gountas, who has worked with 'The Daily Show' since 2018, received not only the title but also a year's supply of burritos and a cash prize of $50.

Gountas, 42, had always been told he resembled Pascal, a sentiment that intensified after the actor gained fame for his roles in popular series such as 'Game of Thrones' and 'The Last of Us.' 'It started back when Pedro was on Game of Thrones. My wife was so freaked out when he got killed. She was like, “I can’t watch this. I feel like the guy is crushing your head,”' Gountas recounted in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

The contest took place on June 15, 2025, and was hosted by a local restaurant aiming to showcase their burritos and attract attention to Pascal's controversial remarks about New York's Mexican cuisine. Hundreds of fans and contestants gathered, turning the event into a lively celebration. 'There were about a thousand people in the street, cars were honking, and it was mayhem,' Gountas described. 'I just walked up and said, “Hey, I’m here.”'

Pascal himself acknowledged Gountas' resemblance, commenting on a viral Instagram post celebrating Gountas' win. 'Pedro has done a lot of talk shows, but has he done The Daily Show? In my tenure, he hasn’t been there,' Gountas noted, expressing hope that the actor would visit the show now that he is more recognized.

The lighting designer's win has sparked a wave of support from his colleagues at 'The Daily Show,' who have celebrated his victory with enthusiasm. Gountas expressed his amazement at the media attention, including a feature in The New York Post. 'Everyone’s super supportive. It’s been pretty insane,' he commented.

In a broader context, this event highlights not only the cultural significance of lookalike contests but also the intersection of celebrity culture and local community engagement. Gountas' experience reflects the ways in which individuals can gain unexpected recognition and the role of social media in amplifying such moments. As the popularity of Pedro Pascal continues to rise, Gountas' newfound fame may lead to future opportunities, both personally and professionally, as he navigates his dual identity as a lighting designer and a celebrity lookalike.

Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how Gountas will leverage his win in the contest and whether he will cross paths with Pascal in the near future. His journey from relative obscurity to local celebrity serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of fame and public recognition in today's media landscape.