Starting from humble beginnings, where he wore shoes three sizes too small and lived in a cramped trailer with his struggling family, this actor went from small roles and waiting tables to leading some of the biggest film franchises. Take a closer look at his story.

Born into a working-class family in a small town, this future star spent his early years learning the harsh realities of life. His parents, Kathleen Louise and Daniel Clifton, worked hard to keep their heads above water, but money was always tight.

His mother held a job as a grocery store checker, and his father was a construction worker — a tough man who knew the value of hard work. Despite their efforts, financial security always seemed out of reach.

The family eventually settled in Lake Stevens, Washington, where he grew up alongside his older siblings, Cully and Angie. Life wasn't easy for the family, who struggled to provide the basics, including clothes and shoes that fit.

It wasn't unusual for the boy to wear shoes that were far too small, with his toes sticking out the front. "We always had the lamest shoes. And shoes were so important as a kid!" he recalled.

Winning $85 during a bingo game with his mom was one of the rare moments when he could indulge in something he wanted. "[...] I bought a pair of Reebok Pumps," he shared.

"Dude, I wore those shoes for three years. They got so small for me that I had to take a razor and cut the pump out to buy myself some more space," he added.

Even then, he couldn't bring himself to throw them away. "You could still see the basketball on the tongue, but there was no pump system in there. I loved those pumps," the actor revealed.

These small triumphs, however, were overshadowed by significant losses. His family lost their home while he was in high school, forcing them to move into a rental. When his parents later offered him a loft in a shed outside their trailer, he declined and chose to live with a friend instead.

His father's declining health added to the family's hardships. A hard man by nature, his dad became even more withdrawn and bitter after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. "He had lost interest in life," the actor recalled.

"He refused to take any medication or do anything like physical therapy," he shared. The illness took a toll on his father's already tough demeanor. "He was pretty ornery to begin with, and that just made him more ornery."

As the young man grew older, he began to take odd jobs to help make ends meet. He waited tables, attended a local community college for a short time, and even tried his hand at sales, going door-to-door selling coupons. "I was great at that," he said.

Despite these efforts, his life lacked direction. He briefly considered joining the military, but his brother, who had enlisted in the Army, advised against it. "I think he saw something in me," the actor shared. "I was a peculiar kid. [...] I dressed funny and was comfortable in my own skin."

Though he had an unshakable spirit, his family's struggles left emotional scars. His father's stoic and old-school approach to parenting, often through what he called "emotional scarification," shaped his sense of humor.

"Early on, I developed humor as a self-defense mechanism — I developed Andy, really," he explained, referencing the beloved character that would later make him a household name.

Yet, his father's influence remained strong, even as his health deteriorated. The boy admired his dad's toughness, though it came at a cost. "My brother and I talk about it," he said. "Part of us appreciate that he made us tough [...]."

Eventually, a friend sent him a plane ticket to Maui, where he began living out of a van on the beach. He spent much of his early twenties in limbo, moving from one odd job to the next, unsure of what path to take.

It was during this period of aimlessness that he found religion. But at the time, no one could have predicted his future success.

Despite the challenges, this young man never lost his sense of individuality or humor — qualities that would later set him apart in an industry known for rejection and unpredictability. He didn't yet know it, but life was leading him toward a career that would change everything.

From Living in a Van to Leading Hollywood Blockbusters

The pivotal moment that set Chris Pratt's career in motion came when he was living in Maui, working as a waiter at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and sleeping in a van on the beach.

Chris Pratt at the WB Network's 2002 Summer Party on July 13 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

He landed the lead role in a low-budget horror, "Cursed: Part III." While the film didn't put him on the map, it did pay him $700.

"That $700 lasted me one year," he revealed. Determined to make it in Hollywood, Pratt moved to Los Angeles and hustled for every role he could find.

He lived cheaply, waited tables, and took small roles in big movies or leading roles in tiny productions. "I was an outsider, no connections, no nepotism, nothing. A complete foreigner to Hollywood," he said.

His big break came with the TV drama "Everwood," where he played Bright Abbott. The show ran for four seasons, and Pratt credits it as his first life-changing role.

Chris Pratt at the 29th Annual People's Choice Awards in 2003. | Source: Getty Images

"That's when I became an actor, and that was the first time I'd ever got into money, real money," he shared. His natural charisma landed him more TV roles, including a stint as Ché on "The O.C.," but it wasn't until he joined the cast of "Parks and Recreation" in 2009 that Pratt became a household name.

Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, Justin Theroux as Justin, and Chris Pratt as Andy Dwyer filming "Parks and Recreation" in 2009. | Source: Getty Images

Initially cast for a temporary role as the goofy Andy Dwyer, Pratt's character quickly became a fan favorite. His portrayal of the lovable slacker resonated with audiences, and the writers kept him on as a series regular.

"Andy on 'Parks and Rec' was my clown that I had honed my entire life," Pratt said. "A guy who's affable, who's an intelligent person playing a dumb person."

Chris Pratt photographed in honor of Red Nose Day in 2015. | Source: Getty Images

Around this time, he met actress Anna Faris while filming the romantic comedy "Take Me Home Tonight." The two fell in love, got married, and welcomed their son, Jack, and it seemed like Pratt's personal and professional life had fallen into place.

His transition from television to film marked a significant turning point. In 2014, his career skyrocketed when he landed the role of Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord, in Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy."

Chris Pratt arrives at the premiere of "Guardians of the Galaxy" on July 21, 2014, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

The film was a massive hit, transforming him into a bona fide movie star. That same year, he voiced Emmet in the animated blockbuster "The Lego Movie," another smash hit that further solidified his position in Hollywood.

Chris Pratt at the screening of "The LEGO Movie" on February 5, 2014, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

The following year, Pratt became the face of the "Jurassic Park" franchise revival with "Jurassic World." The film became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time and established Pratt as a leading man.

His success continued with roles in "The Magnificent Seven" alongside Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke, and "Passengers," where he starred opposite Jennifer Lawrence.

Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt at the premiere of "Passengers" on December 14, 2016, in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Despite his newfound stardom, Pratt never forgot his humble beginnings. In 2019, he returned to the Bubba Gump restaurant where he had once waited tables and shared a reflective post on Instagram.

Chris Pratt at the premiere of "The Kid" on March 6, 2019, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

"Twenty years ago I was a waiter at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Every time I go back I'm reminded of the thousands of shrimp I ate off of people's plates on the way back to the kitchen. Please tip your server. Leave at least 20%. Also leave some shrimp," the caption read.

When asked about achieving his dream, Pratt acknowledged that his goals have evolved over time. "Originally, the dream was to pay my bills by doing nothing other than acting. I got there and that was great. Then it was great to extend it more and more," he said.

Chris Pratt at Media's 2019 PaleyFest LA "Parks And Recreation" 10th Anniversary Reunion on March 21, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

"Then it was like, pay my bills doing nothing but acting, but also do roles that are more than just the douche, the bad guy. Those are the roles that I was originally getting," the actor added.

"Then it was to do sidekick roles, and then it was to do comedy and pay my bills doing that. Now I've crossed over this line where I actually say no to stuff. I could never have fathomed that I would say no to a paying acting gig," he continued.

Chris Pratt at the grand opening celebration of "Jurassic World -The Ride" on July 22, 2019, in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images

Over the years, Pratt's personal life also took a new turn. After parting ways with Faris, he married author Katherine Schwarzenegger, daughter of Hollywood icon Arnold Schwarzenegger. The couple welcomed their second child, Eloise, in 2020.

When asked about his famous father-in-law, Pratt offered a sweet glimpse into his thoughtful side, "Gift-giving is absolutely one of his love languages. The most thoughtful gifts you could imagine, like quilts with all of the baby's pictures on it."

Despite his success, the "Parks and Recreation" star remains deeply connected to his roots. He often reflects on his father, whose passing in 2014 left a lasting impact.

Pratt sees pieces of his father in himself, both in his appearance and mannerisms. "Physically, we look similar, I guess. And sometimes I hear his voice coming out of my mouth — some of the things he says, some of the things I would say," he said.

Chris Pratt at SiriusXM Studios on May 23, 2024, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

One treasured item Pratt still holds dear is a compass his father gave him. For him, it symbolizes his father's unwavering presence and guidance. "It's really like a symbol for who he was in my life. He'll always be there to guide me," he shared.

Chris Pratt at the world premiere of "The Garfield Movie" on May 19, 2024, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Today, Chris Pratt is one of Hollywood's biggest stars, leading two of the industry's most beloved franchises. His journey from a small-town boy who wore shoes with holes in them to an A-list actor is a story of resilience, faith, and unwavering determination.