Actor Afonso Pimentel, one of the most recognizable faces from Netflix’s “Turn of the Tide”, carries with him a story that reveals how a single moment of hesitation can alter the course of a career. Early on, when a casting director from Los Angeles reached out requesting his reel, Pimentel didn’t have one prepared. He asked for two weeks to assemble it: The reply never came.

Only years later did he discover what was at stake: the production was casting for a then‑unknown series titled “Lost”, a show that would go on to become a global phenomenon. The opportunity evaporated before he had the chance to compete for it, a reminder that, in the entertainment industry, timing matters, but acting on timing matters more. Windows of opportunity rarely stay open.

Today, Pimentel’s path has brought him international visibility through Netflix and a growing body of work that solidifies his reputation. Yet the missed “Lost” moment remains part of his narrative, an example of the unpredictable turns that shape creative careers. It’s a story that resonates not only with actors, but with anyone working in an industry where momentum is fragile — and where hesitation can mean watching a defining moment pass by.

Actor Afonso Pimentel, one of the most recognizable faces from Netflix&rsquo;s &ldquo;Turn of the Tide&rdquo;, carries with him a story that reveals how a single moment of hesitation can alter the course of a career. Early on, when a casting director from Los Angeles reached out requesting his reel, Pimentel didn&rsquo;t have one prepared. He asked for two weeks to assemble it: The reply never came.
Only years later did he discover what was at stake: the production was casting for a then‑unknown series titled &ldquo;Lost&rdquo;, a show that would go on to become a global phenomenon. The opportunity evaporated before he had the chance to compete for it, a reminder that, in the entertainment industry, timing matters, but acting on timing matters more. Windows of opportunity rarely stay open.
Today, Pimentel&rsquo;s path has brought him international visibility through Netflix and a growing body of work that solidifies his reputation. Yet the missed &ldquo;Lost&rdquo; moment remains part of his narrative, an example of the unpredictable turns that shape creative careers. It&rsquo;s a story that resonates not only with actors, but with anyone working in an industry where momentum is fragile &mdash; and where hesitation can mean watching a defining moment pass by.

Each week, join Tony Gonçalves—a U.S.-based Portuguese immigrant and successful media executive—as he explores the stories of those driving Portugal’s influence on the global stage. From visionary entrepreneurs to cultural pioneers, The Heart and Hustle of Portugal uncovers the unique ways the Portuguese identity thrives worldwide. As Expresso’s first English-language product, this series bridges cultures and connects the global audience to Portugal’s spirit of innovation, passion, and resilience.

Each week, join Tony Gonçalves—a U.S.-based Portuguese immigrant and successful media executive—as he explores the stories of those driving Portugal’s influence on the global stage. From visionary entrepreneurs to cultural pioneers, The Heart and Hustle of Portugal uncovers the unique ways the Portuguese identity thrives worldwide. As Expresso’s first English-language product, this series bridges cultures and connects the global audience to Portugal’s spirit of innovation, passion, and resilience.

Tony Gonçalves—a U.S.-based Portuguese immigrant and successful media executive— explores the stories of those driving Portugal’s influence on the global stage

The Heart & Hustle of Portugal

The Heart and Hustle of Portugal

Afonso Pimentel sits down with Tony Gonçalves to talk about heritage, mental health and living with a sense of opportunity. Listen to the podcast The Heart and Hustle of Portugal

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