Money Heist: 12 Interesting Facts You Didn't Know About Pedro Alonso (Berlin)

Pedro Alonso portraying the iconic character of Berlin in Money Heist captivated viewers and became an indispensable part of the show. His remarkable portrayal and undeniable talent earned him praise from fans and co-stars alike. Alonso, a legendary Spanish actor, had already established his career in the Spanish entertainment industry before gaining international recognition through La Casa De Papel (Money Heist).

Early Years and Acting Career

Alonso, born in Vigo Pontevedra, Spain, showcased his versatility in the industry. Fluent in multiple languages, including Galician, Catalan, Spanish, and English, his multilingualism was instrumental in his success. He made his first television appearance in the Spanish show All Men Are The Same, playing the role of Raul for five episodes. After graduating from The Royal Theater Academy of Madrid, Alonso appeared in numerous Spanish films, including the 2011 film Where Is Felicidade?

Significant Roles Prior to Money Heist

Long before Netflix gained distribution rights for Money Heist in 2017, Alonso was already well-known to Spanish audiences. He captivated audiences with his roles in Gran Hotel, a historical drama, and The Ministry Of Time, where he portrayed Lieutenant Cherry for two episodes. Alonso's participation in these shows made him a household name throughout Europe and in South and Central America. Notably, his prior major role in a crime drama was in the Spanish series Boja Suspicio (Under Suspicion).

Beyond Acting – Dancer, Writer, and Painter

Alonso's talents stretch beyond acting. Just like his character Berlin, he is a man of many artistic endeavors. Alonso received professional dancing training at the Teatro De La Danza (Theater of Dance), which explains his mesmerizing dance moves showcased in Money Heist. Writing is another passion for Alonso, with published works under the tag Pedro Alonso O'Choro. Additionally, his love for painting has propelled him to pursue it professionally, as evidenced by the extensive collection of his artworks on his Instagram profile.

Detesting His Character

Contrary to popular belief, Alonso initially had reservations about portraying Berlin in Money Heist. He openly expressed his disapproval of Berlin's psychopathic tendencies and morally questionable actions. However, as the series progressed, Alonso developed a fondness for the complexity of the role and the depths he could explore as an actor.

Emotional Farewell and Final Scenes

Pedro Alonso bid farewell to the show with emotional final scenes that showcased his talent and genuine connection with the character. Filming these scenes without his fellow cast members proved to be a poignant experience for Alonso. He received a heartfelt letter from show writer Javier Gomez Santander, which deeply moved and touched him. Alonso expressed gratitude for the unforgettable moments the show provided him and the bonds formed with the cast and crew.

Challenges Faced and Memorable Moments

While Money Heist presented various intense moments, such as deaths and heist sequences, Pedro Alonso found filming the scene where Inspector Murillo enters the Royal Mint to demand proof of life particularly challenging. As Berlin, Alonso had to balance humor, maintaining a pleasing demeanor towards the inspector, and ensuring professionalism amongst the crew. In this scene, he skillfully walked a fine line to create the desired mood and atmosphere, which resonated positively with both fans and critics.

The Being Berlin Debate

Despite being one of the most popular characters in Money Heist, Berlin faced skepticism and pressure from some viewers. Showrunner Álex Pina revealed that some suggested removing Berlin from the series due to his misogynistic and narcissistic traits not aligning with current sensibilities. Committed to creating a complex and engrossing narrative, Pina refused this request, recognizing Berlin's potential as an intriguing and captivating antagonist.

Berlin's Demise and the Show's Fate

Money Heist is known for its daring choices when it comes to character deaths. Berlin's demise mirrored Tokyo's sacrifice, yet it may surprise fans to know that his death might not have occurred had the original trajectory of the show remained unchanged. Unaware of the show's future and with potential cancellation looming at the time, the writers crafted an epic end for Berlin, signaling his crucial role in the series.

Personal Life and Relationships

Outside of the screen, Pedro Alonso tends to keep his personal life private. However, it is known that he has been in a relationship with Tatiana Djordjevic, a hypnotherapist. Interestingly, Djordjevic's name shares similarities with Berlin's supposed ex-wife from the series. Alonso also has a daughter named Uriel from a previous relationship.

Favorite Co-Stars and On-Set Dynamics

Alonso cherishes the bond formed with his co-stars on Money Heist and holds Alba Flores (Nairobi) and Ursula Corbero (Tokyo) as his favorite collaborators. Additionally, his connection with protagonist Alvaro Morte (The Professor) was so profound that they requested Berlin and The Professor be portrayed as brothers, emphasizing their unique bond. The intensity of their rehearsals and the challenging shooting schedules further solidified their on-set relationships.

Explorations in Religion and Spirituality

Passionate about exploring various religious beliefs and practices, Alonso delved into shamanism. He visited a shrine in Mexico and performed a ritual just before receiving the scripts for Berlin's character in Money Heist. This connection to historical religions, in this case, shamanism, exemplifies Alonso's curiosity and willingness to explore diverse facets of spirituality.

Berlin's Return and Spinoff

While the final season of Money Heist concluded in December 2021, fans can look forward to a spinoff centered around Pedro Alonso's Berlin. Set to be released in 2023, this dedicated series will provide further exploration of Berlin's character and story. The writers now have the opportunity to delve into unanswered questions surrounding his past and potentially reintroduce other familiar faces from the original series.

Pedro Alonso's impressive acting skills, passionate pursuits beyond acting, and portrayal of the iconic Berlin have solidified his status as a beloved and acclaimed actor in both Spanish and international entertainment industries.