Landing a breakout role in Hollywood is the dream for every young performer, and while everyone tries to score one, the truth is that very few will make this happen. Whether it is on the big or small screen, a breakout role can change someone’s fortune in the blink of an eye.
Chris Pratt is one of the most famous men in Hollywood, and this is thanks to roles in the MCU, Jurassic World, and beyond. Pratt didn’t have an easy start, and before breaking out, he was homeless and living in Hawaii.
Let’s take a closer look at Chris Pratt’s amazing story.
Pratt Was Homeless And Working At Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. In Hawaii
Actors who make it in Hollywood come from all walks of life, and there is certainly no guaranteed path to the top. While many can pull some strings and use nepotism to their advantage, others are plucked from complete obscurity. This was precisely the case for Chris Pratt, who was homeless and living out in Hawaii at one point in his younger life before becoming a major Hollywood star.
Back when he was still in high school, the young Pratt was convinced that he was going to be rich and famous one day. A lot of kids have delusions of grandeur, but Pratt was convinced that it was going to happen, according to his old wrestling coach.
“He came into my office one time and said, ‘You know what? I know I’m going to be really rich one day.’ He said, ‘And you know what? I also want to be really famous.’ I said, ‘That’s great, Chris,’ but I guess he was like Babe Ruth, calling his own shot,” said Coach Barnes.
Instead of instant fame and fortune, Pratt wound up moving out to Hawaii, where he spent time living in a van.
When opening up about his time in Hawaii, Pratt said, “We just drank and smoked w*** and worked minimal hours, 15-20 hours per week, just enough to cover gas, food and fishing supplies. You know, it was charming time.”
Despite the humble beginnings, a random twist of fate changed everything for Pratt.
He Was Cast In A Short Film And Then Got His Big Break
While working at a Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Pratt was discovered by Rae Dawn Chong who was casting Cursed Part 3. Pratt convinced Chong that he had plenty of acting chops, and he wound up landing a role in the forgettable film.
Amy Lyndon, who worked alongside Pratt in that film, said, “He was so hot, and he was like, ‘I just came from Hawaii. I’m an artist.’ He had curly blond hair, like Christopher Atkins in the ’80s. Rae Dawn was like, ‘Yeah, I found him at a restaurant.’”
After getting a chance to work on the big screen, Pratt would eventually find a major break when he was cast on the series, Everwood. That series, which was quite the success on the small screen, was a huge jumping off point for Pratt, who was able to use his natural charisma to gain legions of fans.
From there, the performer would start to land roles in film and television projects before one of the most popular shows of all time cast him in a primary role.
‘Parks And Rec’ Gave Way To The MCU And Beyond
For many people, Parks and Rec was the show that introduced them to Chris Pratt, and the actor was fantastic as Andy Dwyer on the show. Alongside the rest of the talented cast, Pratt became a household name, and the show helped him build up his name value in profound ways. As if this wasn’t amazing enough, Pratt would land a film role that boosted his stock once again.
While he was still on Parks and Rec, Pratt was cast as Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy, which was an upcoming MCU project at the time. Despite focusing on heroes who weren’t mainstream popular, the movie was a massive success that spawned a string of films in the MCU. Pratt was amazing as Star-Lord, and he has since appeared in a number of MCU films, including Infinity War and Endgame.
Still not impressed? Pratt is also the lead in the Jurassic World franchise, which has grossed billions at the box office. It marked another success for Pratt, who has added additional hit films like Passengers and The Lego Movie along the way.
Chris Pratt had some humble beginnings in Hollywood, but he made the most of his big chance and became a mega star.