Chris Pratt praises military veterans for their exceptional work ethic in the entertainment industry, especially noting their significant roles in Hollywood productions. During a recent conversation in Los Angeles, Pratt emphasized how veterans transition effectively into film and television roles by bringing discipline and efficiency to the set.
The actor, who leads the Amazon Prime series The Terminal List, specifically acknowledged the former Navy SEALs he collaborates with, stressing their ability to complete tasks reliably and promptly, a trait he finds invaluable in film production.
Veterans Bring Unique Skills to Film Projects
Pratt shed light on the talent and work process of veterans engaged in the film industry, remarking on their capacity to adapt their military training to entertainment craftsmanship. He described the group around him on set as largely composed of military veterans who excel at both on-camera and behind-the-scenes work.
“Our room is populated with a bunch of veterans,”
Pratt shared on the podcast Literally! With Rob Lowe.
“We’ve got people in front of the camera, behind the camera who are all veterans. They work, man. And that, the pipeline of like going from military to the film and television industry is — it’s such a great outlet for these guys.”
He further elaborated on their reliability, stating,
“Cause they are just like, they just get s— done. You know? If you ask, ‘Hey handle this.’ They’re like, ‘Got it.’ You don’t have to follow up the next day. And they’re not like, ‘Oh, actually, it’s kind of like, I think stuff’s going on. Like, first of all, you have to understand what happened.’ It’s like, ‘No, they just get s— done.’ It’s amazing.”
Portraying Military Expertise on Screen
In The Terminal List, Pratt plays James Reece, a Navy SEAL lieutenant commander, and also serves as an executive producer on the series. Working closely with actual veterans has given him a firsthand appreciation of how military experience enriches realistic portrayals in entertainment.
He explained the unique application of military skills, noting that while many veterans’ training is highly specialized for environments requiring vigilance and readiness for lethal situations, these skills find new purpose in ensuring authenticity and precision on set.
Pratt remarked,
“To see them using their training — but in service of art — it’s been amazing to see this sort … this catharsis, because these are guys who have millions of dollars worth of training pumped into each one of them. And then to put that training into making actors know how to handle weapons systems [and] move properly.”
Chris Pratt’s Journey from Humble Beginnings to Hollywood Star
Before becoming a household name, Chris Pratt lived an ordinary life, working as a waiter. At one point, he considered adopting a nickname given by coworkers at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., but ultimately kept his birth name for his professional career.
He recalled on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast,
“I had a name tag that said Christopher at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., but the ‘PHER’ got rubbed off, so it said ‘Christo,’ and everyone called me Christo for a long time while I was working at Bubba Gump.”
He reflected on the fleeting nature of his early work, saying,
“High turnover rate, the new employees thought my name was Christo, and as I navigated being discovered and brought to Los Angeles to follow my dreams, part of me thought in earnest maybe I go as just Christo.”
From Television Comedy to Blockbuster Success
Pratt’s breakthrough came from his role in the comedy series Parks and Recreation, where he acted alongside Amy Poehler, Adam Scott, Rashida Jones, and Nick Offerman. His transition into major film roles began with the Marvel hit Guardians of the Galaxy, which launched him into global fame.
Following that success, Pratt continued to headline major films such as Jurassic World, Passengers, Moneyball, Zero Dark Thirty, and most recently, The Super Mario Bros. Movie. His ability to alternate between comedic and dramatic performances has solidified his status as a versatile leading actor.
The Broader Impact of Veterans in Film and Television
The collaboration between veterans and the entertainment world, as highlighted by Pratt, illustrates an important movement where military personnel find meaningful careers beyond their service. By harnessing their expertise, veterans contribute significantly to the authenticity and professionalism of film productions.
This blending of military precision with creative storytelling not only benefits productions like The Terminal List but also provides veterans with new purpose and opportunity in civilian life. Pratt’s emphasis on their work ethic and effectiveness underlines the valuable role veterans play in shaping Hollywood’s future projects.
