From waiter to Hollywood giant: how Chris Pratt landed his very first role by sheer luck
Before generating billions at the box office, Chris Pratt lived in a van in Hawaii. Look back at the improbable encounter that changed his life.
Before bringing Star-Lord to life or running from dinosaurs in Jurassic World, Chris Pratt lived a life far removed from Hollywood glamour. Some journeys remind us that an actor's destiny can change in the blink of an eye.
From Hawaii waiter to box-office heavyweight
Today, he stands as one of the most bankable faces in the film industry, pulling in billions of dollars at the global box office. Yet, before finding fame, the American actor lived out of a van in Hawaii and waited tables at a Bubba Gump Shrimp Company restaurant. It was precisely between two shifts that his trajectory took a dramatic turn.
The chance encounter with Rae Dawn Chong
While having lunch at the restaurant, Canadian actress Rae Dawn Chong—known for Quest for Fire and The Color Purple—crossed paths with the bold waiter. Recognizing a movie star, the young man spoke right up and jokingly demanded a role. This led to an unforgettable exchange where the actress asked for his phone number. Having none, Pratt gave his buddy Mike's number instead.
The first script of his life and a one-way ticket to Los Angeles
Days later, the script finally reached him. It was a milestone for someone who had never read a single page of a screenplay in his life. Fully dedicated, he devoured the 120 pages three times in a row. When auditioning for the indie horror-comedy project titled Cursed Part 3, he showed up thoroughly prepared, every line and inflection mapped out in pencil.
Convinced by his raw talent, Rae Dawn Chong offered him the part. With barely 60 dollars to his name, a bag of clothes, and a pair of rollerblades, the future Guardians of the Galaxy star flew off to Los Angeles courtesy of the production. A humble beginning for a massive career that continues to inspire movie lovers worldwide.