Chris Pratt was born on June 21, 1979, in Virginia, Minnesota. He grew up in a working-class family alongside his two older siblings. His mother worked at a Safeway supermarket, while his father was a taconite miner and later a construction worker. Money was always tight, and Chris learned from a young age not to ask for things his family couldn’t afford.
One of his biggest struggles as a child was finding shoes that fit. He once won $85 in bingo and bought a pair of Reebok Pumps, which he wore for three years. When they became too tight, he cut them open with a razor to create more space.
Growing Up and Facing Hardships
At the age of seven, his family moved to Lake Stevens, Washington. Despite financial struggles, Chris found humor as a coping mechanism. He wasn’t the most athletic kid, and his leg grew in an unusual way, making running difficult. In high school, he focused on wrestling instead.
His family eventually lost their home, forcing them to move into a rental. His father was later diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which made him even more withdrawn. Chris’s relationship with his father was complicated, but his dad lived long enough to see some of his early success.
Homeless in Maui
After high school, Chris considered joining the military but instead took community college classes, including theater. He dropped out after one semester and took on odd jobs. Eventually, he found himself homeless in Maui, Hawaii, living in a van and working just enough to afford gas, food, and fishing supplies.
During this time, he reconnected with his faith and had a life-changing encounter while waiting tables at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Actress Rae Dawn Chong noticed him and cast him in a small horror film, “Cursed Part 3.”
Hollywood Breakthrough
Chris moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Without connections, he waited tables while auditioning for roles. His first major break came when he landed a role in the TV series Everwood. The show lasted four seasons and gained him recognition.
His next big opportunity came with Parks and Recreation, where his role as Andy Dwyer was initially temporary but became a series regular due to his natural comedic timing and charm. This role turned him into a fan favorite.
Blockbuster Success
Chris’s transition to Hollywood’s A-list came when he was cast as Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy. His humor and charisma made the film a huge success. He then starred in the Jurassic World series and action-packed roles in The Terminal List and Zero Dark Thirty.
His ability to balance comedy and action made him one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood.
Personal Life
Chris dated his Everwood co-star Emily VanCamp before meeting actress Anna Faris. They married in 2009 and had a son, Jack, in 2012. Jack was born nine weeks premature, which strengthened Chris’s faith.
In 2017, Chris and Anna divorced. The following year, he met author Katherine Schwarzenegger, whom he married in 2019. They now have two daughters.
Staying Grounded
Despite his fame, Chris has remained humble. He often reflects on his father’s influence and his early struggles. In 2019, he visited Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, where he once worked, and shared a nostalgic post encouraging people to tip their servers generously.
Chris’s journey from a struggling waiter to a Hollywood superstar is a testament to perseverance, humor, and staying true to one’s roots.
