Chris Pratt

Chris Pratt: From Small-Town Roots to Hollywood Stardom

Early Life and Background

Christopher Michael Pratt was born on June 21, 1979, in Virginia, Minnesota, USA. He is the youngest child of Kathleen Louise (née Indahl), who worked at a Safeway supermarket, and Daniel Clifton Pratt, who worked in mining and later remodeling houses. Pratt's father passed away in 2014 due to multiple sclerosis. When Chris was seven, the family relocated to Lake Stevens, Washington, where he spent the remainder of his childhood. During his high school years, Pratt was an active wrestler, placing fifth in a state tournament. He also developed an interest in German, studying the language for three years. 

Early Career and Breakthrough

After dropping out of a local community college halfway through his first semester, Pratt moved to Maui, Hawaii. There, he lived in a van and worked various jobs, including as a waiter at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. It was during this time that he was discovered by actress and director Rae Dawn Chong, who cast him in her directorial debut, the short horror film Cursed Part 3 (2000). 

Pratt's early acting career included roles in television series such as Everwood (2002–2006), where he played Harold Brighton "Bright" Abbott, and The O.C. (2006–2007), portraying activist Ché. However, his breakout role came with the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation (2009–2015), where he played the lovable and goofy Andy Dwyer. Originally intended as a temporary character, Pratt's performance was so well-received that he became a series regular. 

Transition to Film and Rise to Stardom

While still on Parks and Recreation, Pratt began to take on supporting roles in films such as Moneyball (2011), Zero Dark Thirty (2012), and Her (2013). His transition to leading man status was solidified with his role as Peter Quill/Star-Lord in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), a performance that showcased his comedic timing and action-hero credentials. He reprised this role in subsequent Marvel films, including Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019). 

In addition to his work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Pratt starred as Owen Grady in the Jurassic World trilogy (2015–2022), further establishing himself as a bankable action star. He also lent his voice to animated films such as The Lego Movie (2014), Onward (2020), and The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), where he voiced the titular character. 

Recent Projects and Ventures

Pratt continues to diversify his portfolio with roles in various genres. He starred in the Amazon Prime Video series The Terminal List (2022), a military thriller based on the novel by Jack Carr. In 2025, he appeared in the Netflix sci-fi film The Electric State, directed by the Russo Brothers, where he played Keats, a character navigating a post-apocalyptic world alongside Millie Bobby Brown's character. 

Personal Life

Pratt was previously married to actress Anna Faris, with whom he shares a son, Jack, born in 2012. The couple divorced in 2018. In 2019, he married author Katherine Schwarzenegger, daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver. Together, they have three children: daughters Lyla Maria (born 2020) and Eloise Christina (born 2022), and son Ford Fitzgerald (born 2024). 

Pratt is known for his Christian faith and has been open about its importance in his life. He is also involved in philanthropic efforts, supporting various charities and causes.

Legacy and Impact

From humble beginnings to becoming one of Hollywood's leading actors, Chris Pratt's journey is a testament to perseverance and versatility. His ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and action roles has endeared him to a wide audience, making him a prominent figure in contemporary cinema.