Chris Pratt returns to theaters this weekend in Jurassic World, which promises to be another blockbuster notch on the actor’s belt. In honor of the movie star who got his start on the TV show Everwood, here are five reasons we’ll watch him no matter what move he makes next.
1. He’s Incredibly Versatile
Pratt may now be a Marvel superhero and a dinosaur wrangler, but before that he was, well, a lot more. You’ve seen Parks and Recreation, right? Don’t forget about that time he stole every Zero Dark Thirty scene he was in as a soldier hunting down Osama bin Laden, and as a struggling baseball player in Moneyball, and as a clueless jerk in Wanted who takes a keyboard to the jaw like a pro. Watch the scene you probably forgot about, above.
2. He’s a Hilarious Free Spirit, On-screen and Off
Pratt’s career really took off after playing lovable doofus Andy Dwyer on Parks and Recreation. While Pratt is a lot smarter in real life, he’s just as lovable thanks to a goofy charm that stems from a positive outlook on life, no matter where it takes him.
“I wanna never take life too seriously,” a young Pratt said during his first Entertainment Tonight interview (above) on the set of Everwood. “I want to always have fun, and always make decisions that allow me to do that. I want to be a free spirit.”
Mission accomplished, dude.
3. This Parks and Recreation Blooper Reel (Warning: May Not Be SFW)
Speaking of Pratt’s seemingly effortless comedic timing, watch him crack up his costars when they least expect it by delivering dirty jokes off the top of his head. Also, he has a certain affinity for poop jokes, and has no problem farting on camera. If you’re watching this at work, you might want to slip on a pair of headphones.
4. He’s a Genuine Role Model, and Cares About the Kids Looking Up to Him
Pratt stole his Star-Lord outfit from the set of Guardians of the Galaxy just so he could visit sick kids in the hospital… in character. While promoting the 2014 Marvel hit, the actor explained that, sure, money, fame and bigger roles are nice, but none of that really means anything.
“The coolest things would be that my son could one day see this, and maybe I could go affect some kids in a positive way, and be a good role model for them,” Pratt has said.
And he has since followed through – numerous times. Watch one instance in the video above.
5. Those Abs
Some people can’t stop looking at them, and others can’t stop wishing they had them. Either way, Pratt’s physical transformation – initially for his Navy SEAL role in Zero Dark Thirty, then again for Guardians -- is one anyone can admire. Pin up a picture of him shirtless for titillation or inspiration, up to you. If it’s the latter, watch the interview above for honest advice on what it takes to get in shape.
What’s your favorite Chris Pratt role? Tell us in the comments.
