Rising Stars: Chris Pratt

It's always so cool when things go well for an actor you root for - with Guardians of the Galaxy killing it at the box office everyone is noticing its leading man - Chris Pratt. I am a huge fan of Parks and Recreation, a fantastic show that is still watched by too few and really, everyone should be watching it, where Pratt plays hilarious character of Andy Dwyer. I'm just so happy for him finally having a proper big break into the movie world.

Chris was born on June 21st 1979 (I'm kinda shocked to find out he is not younger, he has such an infectious, youthful energy) in Virginia. His first roles include flicks called Cursed Part 2 and Strangers with Candy, so it wasn't always easy at the beginning. Chris went on to appear on popular series Everwood and The O.C. but it's Parks and Rec that was his big break into getting recognized and finally having a shot at big roles.

And then things went quickly - Chris appeared in a film that was Oscar-nominated for Best Picture for three consecutive years: Moneyball, Zero Dark Thirty and Her. Then it was off to Guardians of the Galaxy with the studio taking quite the risk and casting someone who never carried a movie as lead in a gigantic summer blockbuster.

Next it's a lead role in another big movie - Jurassic World - and then Chris is rumored to star in Knight Rider. While he may not have the greatest acting talent I would be at loss to think of an actor who people would like so much unanimously - Emma Stone, perhaps? All those movie stars these days either come off smug or disjointed from reality with their weird food, pretentious websites and acting like they aren't even human just a different species filled with contempt for ordinary people. And here comes a guy, a regular good guy, who is down to earth and charismatic enough you can sit back and enjoy watching a space movie and actually care about the character he is playing because of how damn likable he is.


And that's what makes Chris Pratt someone to root for and someone to enjoy on screen - he seems like a genuinely kind person, a good husband (to actress Anna Faris) and father and someone who is a lot of fun and has distance to himself. He is a movie star in the making without  being fake, pompous or smug. When he is being nice on talk shows you don't feel he is just doing it for the show - he actually seems sincere and humble. These are the kinds of actors I love - if someone is a great actor and an asshole I probably won't be a fan. But someone who may not be winning Oscar for his performances and isn't hailed as next Pacino, DeNiro or whatever but is genuinely appreciative of his fans and success? That is the kind of person I cheer for.