- Chris Pratt's path to Hollywood stardom was far from ordinary.
- He went from living in a van and working as a waiter to an unexpected encounter with actress Rae Dawn Chong, who changed his life.
- Today, he is a household name, a testament to the dreamer who made it against all odds.
Chris Pratt during a press conference on April 20, 2017 in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Chris Pratt, now a household name and celebrated for his charismatic performances in movies such as "Jurassic World" and "Guardians of the Galaxy," had a humble beginning working as a waiter and even lived out of a van, a stark contrast to the glamorous life he now leads.
Chris Pratt at the Ivar Nightclub grand opening party in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Humble Beginnings
When Pratt was 19, after a stint as a door-to-door salesman, he lived out of his van with a friend in Maui for about a year. During that time he worked as a waiter at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant where he met the person who changed the course of his life forever.
One day, he picked up a shift for a buddy, and saw Rae Dawn Chong, a talented actress known for her roles in "Quest of Fire" and "Commando." Without hesitation, he approached her, recognizing the actress.
Chris Pratt attends the Emmy screening for NBC's "Parks and Recreation" on May 19, 2010 in North Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
From Bubba Gump Shrimp to Hollywood
The encounter was an unexpected stroke of luck for Pratt, who never picked up extra shifts and was always giving his shifts away. Pratt had no phone to exchange numbers, so instead, he gave her a colleague's number. To his surprise, Chong called back and invited him to audition for a role in her upcoming movie, "Cursed Part 3," which she was directing.
Rae Dawn Chong and Chris Pratt attending a GQ party on December 4, 2014 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
The moment of destiny arrived halfway through the script when Chong interrupted him to inform him that he had aced his audition. He was on cloud nine, having never imagined that his life would take such a remarkable turn.
Rae Down Chong, circa 1989 | Source: Getty Images
After Pratt's successful audition, he approached Chong with questions about the shooting schedule. He was under the impression that the filming would take place on the island, so he needed to arrange his waiting shifts accordingly. To his shock, Chong revealed that he would have to travel to Los Angeles.
Chris Pratt during the NBCUniversal TCA press tour on January 16, 2015 in Pasadena, California | Source: Getty Images
Pratt's heart sank as he contemplated his predicament, realizing he had a mere $60 to his name. The prospect of traveling to Los Angeles seemed impossibly out of reach. He narrated:
"She was like, 'It shoots in LA,' and I was crestfallen thinking, 'Wow! I've got about 60 bucks. I can't afford to go to LA'."
Chris Pratt during the 87th Annual Academy Awards on February 22, 2015 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
But Chong was quick to dispel his concerns, assuring him that he would be flown to Los Angeles for the shoot. This revelation transformed Pratt's world. He had made it past the auditions, and now, with the promise of the shoot in LA, he was one step closer to becoming a movie star.
Rae Dawn Chong at the premiere of "Parasite" on October 2, 2019 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
As he walked around the beach, he said, "I'm gonna remember this moment. My life just changed forever." While he was only paid $700 for his part, it was a crucial stepping stone that would open the doors to better opportunities in the future. In an interview, Pratt humorously disclosed that he used all the money to buy himself a car.
Early Struggles and Persistence
Despite being cast in the third part of the "Cursed" trilogy, success in Hollywood didn't come overnight for Pratt, as he said, "The door wasn't opened for me, but it was unlocked, and I put my shoulder down and barreled through." When his first film wrapped up, he returned to working odd jobs.
At one point, he even stayed at the house of his script supervisor, Lauren, sleeping on lawn chairs. But his determination to make it in Hollywood was unwavering. His next acting job, while still working as a waiter, was a guest role with just two lines.
It was only when he got a significant role in the movie "The Extreme Team," shot in New Zealand, that Pratt decided to leave his job waiting tables. This role marked a turning point in his career, leading him further down the path of stardom.
Rae Dawn Chong's Hollywood Journey
While Pratt was embarking on his Hollywood adventure, Chong had already made her mark in the industry. A Canadian actress born on February 28, 1961, Chong gained recognition for her performance in films like "Quest for Fire," where she played the young Ivaka prisoner, Ika.
Actress Rae Dawn Chong | Source: Getty Images
She also portrayed Harpo's girlfriend, "Squeek," in the Academy Award-nominated film "The Color Purple." Chong's career took off in the mid-1980s with numerous film roles and appearances in music videos.
Chong's success came through a combination of talent, opportunity, and a bit of hustle as she went from one project to another, making a name for herself in the industry. She'd end up being Pratt's guardian angel who'd help him achieve his long-life dream.
Rae Dawn Chong in Los Angeles, California, circa 1984 | Source: Getty Images
Pratt's Unshakable Determination
Making his mark in the entertainment industry took determination and a steely approach he learned from his early days as a salesman, as he once quipped:
"When it comes to rejection, I was trained in the crucible of door-to-door sales some 25 years ago. So, you can't turn me away."
Beyond his acting career, Pratt is known for his unshakeable faith, referring to himself as "a free agent for God." He has been candid about his beliefs and hasn't shied away from criticism. Pratt's response to his critics is rooted in biblical scripture, emphasizing his choice to stand by his faith. His unwavering commitment to his principles is an integral part of his journey.
Pratt's faith not only defines his character but also in his personal life. He met his current wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, in 2018 at a church. Their shared faith played a significant role in their relationship. The couple married and now have two daughters, in addition to Pratt's son from his previous marriage to actor Anna Faris.
As he continues to make his mark in Hollywood, Pratt's story is a testament to the power of determination and the unwavering belief that, with enough hard work and a little luck, dreams can come true. From a van on a Hawaiian beach to the bright lights of Hollywood, his journey is a remarkable one.
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