Written by: Cassandra Blake

Chris Pratt: The Unlikely Hero of Hollywood

A Rise to Fame in the Late 2000s

Chris Pratt, born Christopher Michael Pratt, is an American actor known for his iconic roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Star-Lord in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise and as Owen Grady in the Jurassic World trilogy. With a career spanning over two decades, Pratt has established himself as one of the most bankable and beloved stars in Hollywood.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Pratt was born on June 21, 1979, in Virginia, Minnesota, to Kathleen Louise Pratt and Daniel Clifton Pratt. His father worked in mining and later remodeling houses, while his mother worked at a Safeway supermarket. Pratt's family moved to Lake Stevens, Washington, when he was seven years old.

Pratt's early life was marked by a passion for sports, particularly wrestling and shot put. He placed fifth in a high school state wrestling tournament and was a shot putter for his high school's track team. After high school, Pratt worked as a waiter at a Bubba Gump Shrimp Company restaurant in Maui, Hawaii, before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting.

Breakthrough Roles and Career Highlights

• Parks and Recreation (2009-2015): Pratt's breakthrough role came as Andy Dwyer in the NBC sitcom, earning him critical acclaim and a nomination for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
• Guardians of the Galaxy (2014): Pratt's portrayal of Star-Lord/Peter Quill catapulted him to international stardom, grossing over $773 million worldwide.
• Jurassic World (2015): Pratt's performance as Owen Grady in the blockbuster franchise reboot solidified his position as a leading man in Hollywood.
• The Lego Movie (2014): Pratt voiced the character of Emmet Brickowoski, earning an Annie Award nomination for Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production.

Influence on Modern Society and Pop Culture

Chris Pratt's impact on modern society extends beyond his filmography. He has been named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world (2015) and has used his platform to raise awareness for various social causes, including Down syndrome awareness and environmental conservation.

Pratt's influence on pop culture is evident in his memorable quotes and iconic characters, which have become ingrained in popular culture. His Guardians of the Galaxy character, Star-Lord, has inspired countless fan art and cosplay enthusiasts worldwide.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Pratt married actress Anna Faris in 2009, with whom he had a son, Jack, in 2012. The couple divorced in 2018. Pratt married author Katherine Schwarzenegger in 2019.

Chris Pratt is an advocate for various charitable organizations, including the March of Dimes, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the Special Olympics. He has also supported conservation efforts, including the Defenders of Wildlife organization.

Awards and Honors

• MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance (Guardians of the Galaxy, 2015)
• Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actor: Action (Jurassic World, 2016)
• People's Choice Award for Favorite Comedic Movie Actor (The Lego Movie, 2015)

Legacy and Predictions

With a career that has spanned over two decades, Chris Pratt has cemented his position as one of the most bankable and beloved stars in Hollywood. As he continues to take on diverse roles and projects, including the upcoming The Garfield Movie franchise, it's clear that Pratt's influence on modern society and pop culture will only continue to grow.

As one of the highest-grossing actors of all time, Pratt's films have grossed over $13 billion worldwide. With his versatile talent, dedication to philanthropy, and enduring charm, it's predicted that Chris Pratt will remain a household name for generations to come.