How did Chris Pratt Get Started in Acting?

Background

Chris Pratt has developed the image of a leading guy in Hollywood over the course of his 20-year career. Despite the fact that Pratt is most known for playing Peter Quill, a.k.a. Star-Lord, in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” film series, the actor has a number of other notable starring and supporting parts where he has made good use of his comedic talents. 

Before becoming a Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero, Pratt was best known as the schlubby and lovable Andy Dwyer from “Parks and Recreation.” On the side, Pratt was also taking on increasingly prominent roles in movies, from a bit part as James McAvoy’s annoying best friend in “Wanted” to playing a Navy SEAL in “Zero Dark Thirty.” 

Pratt quickly rose to prominence as a starring man in the movie business thanks to his adaptability and diligence, joining an exclusive club of “Hollywood Chrises” who had dominated the box office for the last ten years. Chris Pratt has his pick of leading man parts now, but the journey there was difficult and drawn-out. Wanna know how did he get started in acting? Continue reading to know more.

Pratt was discovered while waiting tables

Chris Pratt Acting

Hollywood is rife with stories of female performers who were discovered by talent brokers just solely on their appearance when they were out and about in Los Angeles. Chris Pratt experienced a comparable incident while working as a server at Bubba Gump Shrimp. 

Pratt admitted that his first acting opportunity came as a result of a fortuitous encounter with Rae Dawn Chong while he was seated at her table at Bubba Gump Shrimp. Chong was most known for playing the lead opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in the film “Commando” and for being Tommy Chong’s daughter, a stoner comedian. She was with her co-producer at the time.

Pratt was cast in the lead part of Chong’s horror-comedy “Cursed Part 3” because Chong thought the actor was “cute” and thought he would become a good actor. Even though Pratt himself called the movie “the worst movie I’d ever seen,” it still played a significant part because, in his words, “the whole reason that movie came along was just so I could be brought to Hollywood.”

More Facts about Chris Pratt and His Career

Chris Pratt in Red Carpey of Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom

Pratt holds the record for not blinking

Stars are expected to participate in a variety of bizarre challenges and activities that are posted on social media in the present era of movie promotion. Chris Pratt has always proven to be a natural at such occasions; in fact, he even briefly held the record for a challenge requiring participants to remain blink-free.

As part of a promotion for “Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom” on the Spanish TV program “El Hormiguero,” Pratt had to go the longest without blinking his eyes. The actor was glad to cooperate, and he was able to smash Ryan Reynolds’ previous record for the game by 2 minutes, 37 seconds. Pratt went 6 minutes and 2 seconds without blinking. Reynolds hasn’t made any public remarks about Pratt assuming the no-blinking throne, but the two Marvel starring men have previously swapped jabs about their Fantasy Football squads.

Pratt no problem getting completely nude for comedy

Chris Pratt entered the part of Andy Dwyer on “Parks and Recreation” eager to demonstrate that he could portray a more nuanced character than a one-note failure. Pratt was prepared to go to any extent to exploit Andy’s comic potential, even if it meant abruptly stripping nude in front of the show’s headliner, Amy Poehler.

On a Graham Norton Show episode, Pratt described the experience. The actor said that he was filming a scene for “Parks and Recreation” in which Poehler’s character opens a door to discover a very nude Andy standing outside. Pratt was really dressed in flesh-colored underpants for the sequence. According to the actor, Poehler’s horror at seeing Andy in his birthday suit was insufficient. Pratt removed the flesh-colored underpants for a single take. Sure enough, Poehler’s response to an unexpectedly naked Pratt was comedic gold, and the sequence was okayed because of her response. Pratt disclosed that NBC then sent him a scathing letter preventing him from trying a similar act once more.

Pratt playing Andy almost cost him Star-Lord

The character helped Chris Pratt avoid being stereotyped as a weirdo early in his career, but it also almost lost him the part of Peter Quill aka Star-Lord in “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Chris Pratt got his reputation in Hollywood playing the silly and overweight Andy Dwyer in “Parks and Recreation.”

Star-Lord was one of several performers James Gunn tried out for the major parts in “Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 1,” but none of them seemed to be the right fit. Gunn was advised by casting director Sarah Finn to interview Chris Pratt. Based on the actor’s prior work, Gunn’s answer was a resounding “No”.

In answer to a follower on Instagram, Gunn clarified his position on the subject (as reported by Republic TV). Fortunately, Gunn’s initial skepticism completely vanished within moments of seeing Pratt’s audition, and the director knew he had finally found his Star-Lord. He saw him on “Parks and Recreation” and thought he was funny but didn’t think he was right for the part so their casting director Sarah had to talk to him into even auditioning him.

Conclusion

Chris Pratt’s acting career began thanks to several fortunate meetings and dedication. For the sake of his acting career, Pratt moved to Los Angeles. He had to take on odd occupations like working as a coupon salesperson and a daytime stripper while applying for acting parts at first since he failed to secure significant roles.

Chris Pratt’s ability to attract box office success should come as no surprise, but you might not be aware of the fact that he is one of the most successful actors of all time. Chris Pratt’s career has since taken off, and he has appeared in a number of blockbuster films, including “Jurassic World” and its sequels, “Guardians of the Galaxy” sequels, “The Magnificent Seven,” “Passengers,” and “Avengers: Infinity War.” He has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors, known for his comedic abilities, action-hero performances, and versatile acting range.