If you took a literature class with a passionate teacher, or just love a dramatic love story with food involved, chances are you’ve heard of Like Water for Chocolate. And you probably remember Pedro being so traumatizing.
Well, now, that same iconic, emotionally complicated Pedro is back, and he’s being played by someone from our very own backyard.
El Paso’s Andrés Baida Steps Into Pedro’s Shoes
Andrés Baida- born in El Paso to a Mexican family originally from Ciudad Juárez- is the latest actor to portray Pedro in HBO’s limited series Like Water for Chocolate.
Baida studied finance in the U.S. before pivoting to acting and training for three years at Televisa’s Artistic Education Center. Since then, he’s built an impressive résumé with roles in Netflix hits like Control Z, ¿Quién Mató a Sara?, and Bandidos, along with multiple Televisa productions.
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But now, he’s stepping into one of the most emotionally charged roles in Latin American literature.
Like Water for Chocolate on HBO Max
For anyone who needs a refresher, Like Water for Chocolate, based on the beloved novel by Laura Esquivel, tells the story of Tita De la Garza and Pedro Múzquiz, two lovers torn apart by rigid family tradition.
Because Tita is the youngest daughter, she’s forbidden from marrying and must care for her mother. Pedro, deeply in love with her, makes… questionable choices in an attempt to stay close. Choices that ignite forbidden passion, jealousy, heartbreak, and a whole lot of emotional chaos.
Season two of the HBO series picks up as Tita struggles with grief and emotional drought, both literal and symbolic, while Pedro’s return reignites that slow-burning, rule-breaking love story.
It’s romance simmering like a pot left on high. And Pedro? Pedro is complicated.
He’s So Good that People Kind of Hate Him
Pedro has never been the internet’s favorite romantic hero. He’s the guy who makes you yell at the screen. And that’s exactly why Andrés Baida is getting attention. He makes you hate him so much- and I cannot wait to hate watch him every Sunday.
If viewers are fired up, debating, and passionately side-eyeing Pedro’s decisions? That means the performance is landing!
Playing a character audiences love to critique isn’t easy. And the fact that an El Paso native is bringing that intensity to one of HBO’s most visually stunning Latin American dramas? That’s worth celebrating.
From El Paso to HBO
There’s something extra cool about seeing someone with Borderland roots stepping into a globally recognized story. From finance student to nationally recognized productions to starring in an HBO adaptation produced by heavy-hitters like Salma Hayek Pinault, Baida’s career arc is impressive on its own.
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But doing it while portraying one of literature’s most debated romantic leads? That’s next level. So the next time you catch yourself frustrated at Pedro’s choices this season… just remember: that’s an El Paso actor doing his job extremely well!
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