Rafael Olarra, the Argentinian creative director and ex-boyfriend of Luke Evans and The last of us star Pedro Pascal is at the center of swirling romance rumors these days.
The buzz started earlier this month when Pascal, 50, and Olarra, 47, were photographed several times together in New York City’s Lower East Side.
On February 6, the couple were seen linking arms on a walk before sitting down to a meal together.
Days later, they were seen side by side at a screening of Wuthering Heightsstarring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie, chatting closely throughout.
Then, on February 24, photos taken of TMZ showed the two strolling through Beverly Hills in athletic clothing, arms wrapped around each other’s waists.
In a snap, Pascal appears to lean in and rest his chin and mouth on Olarra’s shoulder.
In another, Olarra reaches his arm back around Pascal in return. Both men smiled and laughed in the Los Angeles sunshine.
Neither Pascal nor Olarra have commented on the nature of their relationship, but fans have been talking a lot.
“He must really be in love because he’s never publicly gone around with someone like that who’s been duped,” one follower wrote online.
Another added: “I love that he hasn’t made any big personal statements. It feels like he’s just out there living his life without the fanfare.”
Who is Rafael Olarra?
So who is Rafael Olarra? Born in Gualeguaychú, Argentina, he studied at the Universidad del Cine in Buenos Aires and later reportedly spent time studying in Madrid.
He has built a quietly impressive career in the world of art direction, luxury hospitality and large creative projects.
Since August 2015, he has served as Creative Director of Faena Group, a high-end international hospitality brand founded by Argentinian hotelier Alan Faena, known for its immersive blend of art, culture and luxury.
On his own website, Olarra describes his role as being “responsible for materializing Alan Faena’s vision and work to improve the Faena district, which was created in collaboration with the incredible minds of Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martins, Ximena Caminos, Juan Gatti, Rem Koolhaas, Foster, Oma, Francis Mallman, Paul Qui and many more.”
In addition to Faena, he also undertakes freelance art direction work spanning fashion campaigns, editorials, advertising, exhibitions, theater and television.
On Instagram, however, another side of him comes through, describing himself as an “adventurous traveler”, a “motivated climber” and a “triathlete”, with a circle of friends that includes Cher, Gisele Bündchen, Violet Chachki and Jamie Foxx.
Olarra is openly gay and was previously in a relationship with Welsh actor Luke Evans, best known for Beauty and the Beast.
What does Pedro Pascal say about romance rumors about Rafael Olarra?
Pascal, for his part, has always kept his personal life close.
He has never spoken publicly about his sexuality and past rumored romances, including links to Maria Dizzia in the 1990s, Game of Thrones co-star Lena Headey in 2014, Robin Tunney in 2015 and Jennifer Aniston in 2025, was never confirmed by the actor himself.
What is well established, however, is his vocal support for the LGBTQ+ community.
His sister, Lux Pascal, is trans, and his The last of us co-star Bella Ramsey identifies as non-binary.
speaks to The packaging last year, Pascal said it is “important to protect people and people, especially those who are simply asking for the right to exist in the bodies that belong to them, in a world that they have never asked to be brought into.”
He described members of the LGBTQ+ community as “vulnerable, inspiring, brave and courageous,” and emphasized how “very important” it is to protect these qualities “in humanity.”
Both men share Chilean and South American cultural roots, Pascal born in Chile, Olarra in Argentina, and their repeated, calm public appearances together suggest a comfort and closeness that has captured the attention of fans and media alike.
Whether the romance is officially on the line remains to be seen. For now, as one fan put it, Pascal seems to be out there living his life.
