Chris Pratt Hollywood debut took a far from glamorous turn as the now-famous actor recalled his first film as
“the worst movie I’d ever seen.”
Long before his rise as the charismatic lead in major franchises, Pratt’s initial foray in Hollywood began under humble, challenging circumstances that set the stage for his future stardom.
From Restaurant Waiter to Film Set Newcomer
Before his days as a star, Chris Pratt worked as a waiter at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company in Hawaii. One ordinary day, his fortunes changed dramatically when he encountered Rae Dawn Chong, the actor and director. Charmed by his personality, Chong offered Pratt a role in her upcoming short film, providing him with a chance at a career in film that he eagerly accepted.
With little experience navigating Hollywood, Pratt faced basic logistical challenges from the start. He remembered his financial worries, saying,
“I had 60 bucks… and she was like, ‘Sweetie, we’ll fly you there,’”
Chris Pratt, Actor. This reassurance sparked his journey to Los Angeles, though the reality on arrival differed from his expectations.
A Start in an Unforgettable Project
Upon landing in Hollywood, Pratt found himself starring in a project that left a lasting—if not flattering—impression. The film, titled Cursed Part 3, failed to impress even its own star. Reflecting on the experience, Pratt bluntly stated,
“It was the worst movie I’d ever seen,”
Chris Pratt, Actor. Surprisingly, ‘Cursed Part 3’ was not part of a series; its title was a creative quirk, with no preceding films in existence.
The plot unfolded around a production crew filming a ghost story, only for them to be haunted by real ghosts—an ironic twist that stood out in Pratt’s memory. Questions swirled around the film’s unusual concept, perhaps influenced by the creative lineage of Rae Dawn Chong, daughter of Tommy Chong from Cheech and Chong.
A Disappointing Role, a Pivotal Opportunity
Although Pratt’s feelings towards his first film were less than enthusiastic, he recognized the unique importance of the project. He explained the film’s true function in his life, stating,
“The whole reason that movie came along was just so I could be brought to Hollywood,”
Chris Pratt, Actor. Looking back, Pratt felt he had a sense of destiny about the move, remarking,
“It was like I had a premonition. I always wanted to go to Hollywood. I just didn’t know I was going to get there.”
Chris Pratt, Actor.
Becoming an overnight sensation was not Pratt’s story. While Cursed Part 3 released in 2000, it took nearly a decade of smaller roles and relentless auditions before he found mainstream recognition as Andy Dwyer in Parks & Recreation. During those intervening years, Pratt persevered through professional setbacks, steadily building a reputation that would eventually make him a fixture in Hollywood productions.
Turning Setbacks Into Success
Chris Pratt’s rocky entry into show business serves as a reminder that even major stars start with disappointments. ‘Cursed Part 3’ might never gain acclaim—or even infamy—but it acted as the critical step that began Pratt’s extraordinary journey. For aspiring actors, Pratt’s early career reinforces the notion that sometimes, the least glamorous beginnings pave the way for monumental achievements in the world of entertainment.
