Early Life and Struggles

Chris Pratt, now a household name known for his roles in blockbusters like “Guardians of the Galaxy,” recently opened up about his humble beginnings. Before gaining fame, Pratt faced significant challenges and lived in a van in Hawaii with only $60 to his name, working as a waiter at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company.

A Fortuitous Encounter

In a recent Instagram post, Pratt reminisced about a pivotal moment in his life. While waiting tables, he met Rae Dawn Chong, the director of the horror-comedy film “Cursed Part 3.” His excitement was palpable as he approached her table, saying, “Hey, you’re a movie star! What are you doing here?”

Chong’s response opened the door for Pratt’s acting career. She inquired whether he could act, to which Pratt enthusiastically replied, “F–k yeah, put me in your movie.” However, there was a hiccup: he didn’t have a phone number. He confidently provided his friend Mike’s number instead.

Landing the Role

Shortly after their meeting, Pratt received a call from Chong. He quickly collected the script for “Cursed Part 3,” reading it three times in succession. “First script I’d ever read,” he noted, revealing that he felt a connection with his character, Devon, thinking, “Sweet! I could totally play a Devon!”

By the time of his audition, Pratt had thoroughly memorized the script. Following a successful audition, Chong offered him the role, informing him he would be traveling to Los Angeles for filming. At that moment, he realized his life was about to change forever. “I had about $60 to my name, a bag of clothes, and some rollerblades,” he recalled, feeling hope and excitement for his future as an actor.

Gratitude and Reflection

Pratt reflects fondly on the impact of “Cursed Part 3,” describing it as a low-budget film that marked the beginning of his career in Hollywood. He expressed gratitude to Rae Dawn Chong for giving him a chance: “I’ll forever be grateful to Rae for taking a chance on a kid working at a shrimp restaurant. Everybody starts somewhere, and this is where it all began for me.”

Success and Wealth Today

Since his breakout role, Pratt has become one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors, with an estimated net worth of $100 million. His successful career includes notable performances as Peter Quill in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Andy Dwyer in the hit TV series “Parks and Recreation,” and Owen Grady in the “Jurassic World” franchise.

Real Estate Ventures

Pratt’s success extends beyond acting to his investments in real estate. In 2023, he and his wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, purchased a luxurious $12.5 million home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. Currently, they are renovating the property while residing in their $9 million mansion located in Montecito, Santa Barbara County. Pratt and Schwarzenegger, who married in 2019, are also parents to three children: Lyla Maria, 6; Eloise Christina, 4; and Ford Fitzgerald, 1. Additionally, Pratt shares a son, Jack, who is 14, with his ex-wife Anna Faris.

Marketplace Movements

The couple has also indicated their intention to sell their third home in Pacific Palisades, listed for $19.99 million. They had initially purchased the property for $15.8 million in 2018, later demolishing it and constructing a custom-built residence that they listed as high as $32 million earlier this year.