Chris Pratt

Early Life and Education

Christopher Michael Pratt, known professionally as Chris Pratt, was born on June 21, 1979, in Virginia, Minnesota, United States. He is the youngest of three children born to Kathleen Louise (née Indahl) and Daniel Clifton Pratt. His mother worked at a Safeway supermarket, while his father worked in mining and later in house remodeling. Pratt's family moved to Lake Stevens, Washington, when he was seven years old. He attended Lake Stevens High School, where he was a member of the wrestling team and placed fifth in a state wrestling tournament. After graduating from high school in 1997, Pratt briefly attended community college before dropping out.

Early Career

Pratt's journey into acting began in an unconventional manner. He was discovered by actress and director Rae Dawn Chong while working as a waiter at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company restaurant in Maui, Hawaii. Chong cast him in her directorial debut, the short horror film "Cursed Part 3" (2000). This opportunity led Pratt to pursue acting more seriously, and he moved to Los Angeles to further his career.

Breakthrough and Television Career

Pratt's first significant role came in 2002 when he was cast as Harold Brighton "Bright" Abbott in the television series "Everwood." The show ran for four seasons and earned Pratt recognition for his performance. Following the conclusion of "Everwood," Pratt joined the cast of "The O.C." in its fourth season, portraying the character Che Cook.

However, it was his role as Andy Dwyer on the NBC sitcom "Parks and Recreation" that brought him widespread acclaim. Initially intended to be a temporary character, Andy Dwyer became a series regular due to Pratt's performance. The show ran from 2009 to 2015, and Pratt's portrayal of the lovable, goofy character earned him a dedicated fan base.

Transition to Film

Pratt's transition from television to film began with supporting roles in movies such as "Wanted" (2008), "Jennifer's Body" (2009), and "Moneyball" (2011). His role as Scott Hatteberg in "Moneyball" showcased his ability to handle more serious material, and the film received critical acclaim.

In 2014, Pratt's career reached new heights with his leading role as Peter Quill/Star-Lord in Marvel Studios' "Guardians of the Galaxy." The film was a commercial and critical success, and Pratt's performance was praised for its humor and charisma. This role established him as a leading man in Hollywood and led to further opportunities in major film franchises.

Major Film Roles

Following the success of "Guardians of the Galaxy," Pratt starred in several high-profile films. In 2015, he played the lead role of Owen Grady in "Jurassic World," a reboot of the "Jurassic Park" franchise. The film was a massive box office success, grossing over $1.6 billion worldwide. Pratt reprised his role in the sequels "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" (2018) and "Jurassic World: Dominion" (2022).

Pratt continued his collaboration with Marvel Studios, appearing in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" (2017), "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018), and "Avengers: Endgame" (2019). These films further solidified his status as a major star in the industry.

In addition to his work in blockbuster franchises, Pratt has taken on roles in other genres. He starred in the science fiction film "Passengers" (2016) alongside Jennifer Lawrence and the western "The Magnificent Seven" (2016). His versatility as an actor has allowed him to tackle a wide range of characters and genres.

Personal Life

Pratt married actress Anna Faris in 2009, and the couple welcomed their son, Jack, in 2012. However, they announced their separation in 2017 and finalized their divorce in 2018. In 2019, Pratt married Katherine Schwarzenegger, the daughter of actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and journalist Maria Shriver. The couple has two daughters, Lyla Maria and Eloise Christina.

Philanthropy and Public Image

Pratt is known for his philanthropic efforts and has been involved in various charitable activities. He has supported organizations such as the March of Dimes, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the Special Olympics. Pratt has also been vocal about his Christian faith and often shares his beliefs publicly.

Despite his success, Pratt has faced criticism and controversy at times. He has been scrutinized for his political views and affiliations, as well as his involvement with certain religious organizations. However, he remains a popular figure in the entertainment industry and continues to be a sought-after actor for major film projects.

Future Projects

As of 2023, Pratt has several upcoming projects in the pipeline. He is set to reprise his role as Star-Lord in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" and will star in the Amazon Prime Video series "The Terminal List," based on the novel by Jack Carr. Pratt is also involved in the animated film "Super Mario Bros.," where he will voice the iconic character Mario.

References

"Chris Pratt." IMDb, IMDb.com, www.imdb.com/name/nm0695435/.
"Chris Pratt Biography." Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, www.biography.com/actor/chris-pratt.
"Chris Pratt Filmography." Rotten Tomatoes, www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/chris_pratt.