Chris Pratt is one of Hollywood’s most familiar faces today, known for his breakout roles as Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy and Owen Grady in Jurassic World. However, before becoming a global superstar, Pratt built his career with numerous smaller roles in TV dramas and films, quietly honing his craft in a variety of genres. This article highlights seven lesser-known TV shows and movies featuring Chris Pratt that many fans might have overlooked.
Early Career Foundations in Television Drama
Before rising to international fame, Chris Pratt first gained steady work on the family drama Everwood, which aired from 2002 to 2006. As Bright Abbott, Pratt portrayed the good-hearted yet somewhat dim-witted jock, the son of the town doctor and the brother of Amy Abbott (played by Emily VanCamp). Over four seasons and 89 episodes, Bright’s character grew from a typical high school athlete stereotype into a complex young man coping with emotional struggles. This role, taken when Pratt was only 19, was his first major television platform and showcased early signs of his natural charisma and ability to handle layered roles.
A Brief and Quirky Turn on The O.C.
In 2006, Pratt made a guest appearance on The O.C., a hugely popular teen drama set in Southern California. He played Che, an eccentric and spiritually inclined activist who briefly lives with Summer Roberts (Rachel Bilson) during her time at Brown University. Though Pratt’s presence was limited to a short arc in the show‘s fourth season, his portrayal of Che brought a mix of humor and sincerity to the series’ dramatic tone, hinting at the balance he would later perfect in blockbuster and comedic roles.
A Memorable Guest Role on Mom
In 2017, Chris Pratt appeared on the CBS sitcom Mom in Season 4, Episode 11, titled
Good Karma and the Big Weird.
His character, Nick Banaszak, is a charming horseback riding instructor and love interest for Christy, played by Anna Faris. What made this guest spot unique was the real-life connection between Pratt and Faris, who were married at the time. The episode offered fans a rare glimpse of the couple sharing screen time, blending romantic comedy with genuine warmth in Pratt’s brief but impactful appearance.
Voice Work: Lending His Voice to Ben 10: Ultimate Alien
Fans of animated series may be surprised to learn that Chris Pratt lent his voice to the character Cooper Daniels in Ben 10: Ultimate Alien. Making appearances in two episodes—Season 1’s Absolute Power: Part 2 and Season 2’s Prisoner Number 775 Is Missing—Cooper is a teenage technopath who assists Ben and his team in critical missions. Pratt’s voice acting brought an authentic and grounded charm to the character, adding a unique credit to his already diverse portfolio and showing his versatility beyond live-action roles.
A Supporting Role in Spike Jonze’s Her
Chris Pratt took a smaller but meaningful role in the 2013 film Her, directed by Spike Jonze and starring Joaquin Phoenix. Pratt played Paul, Theodore’s supportive co-worker and manager at the handwritten letter company. This character offered a down-to-earth balance to the film’s more melancholic exploration of love and technology, particularly Theodore’s romantic relationship with an artificial intelligence voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Pratt’s performance subtly complemented the emotional depth demanded by the film’s introspective narrative.
Portraying a Baseball Underdog in Moneyball
In the critically acclaimed 2011 film Moneyball, Pratt portrayed Scott Hatteberg, an actual baseball player who transitioned from catcher to first baseman. The movie, starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill, chronicles how the Oakland Athletics employed data analytics to compete with a limited team budget. Pratt’s role as Hatteberg highlighted the struggles of a player fighting to remain relevant in a shifting sports world. He convincingly learned to handle a baseball bat and captured the quiet determination of an underdog, marking a turning point where Pratt demonstrated his capacity for more serious, layered performances.
The Unsympathetic Friend in Wanted
Before his heroic roles, Chris Pratt appeared in the action-thriller Wanted (2008) alongside James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, and Morgan Freeman. He played Barry, the obnoxious best friend and co-worker of Wesley (McAvoy). Barry’s sneaky betrayal—cheating with Wesley’s girlfriend and mocking him—fuels the storyline that ultimately transforms Wesley into a skilled assassin. Though a small role, it was key in setting the plot in motion. Pratt later reflected on this role with humor, marking its 15th anniversary and the scene where his character is hit with a keyboard as a memorable moment.
Why Revisiting These Roles Matters
Chris Pratt’s early film and TV appearances reveal the breadth of his talent and the range of genres he embraced before breaking into leading roles. From drama to comedy, animation to intense thrillers, each forgotten role added layers to the actor’s skill set, setting the stage for his later widespread success. Fans eager to see the developmental stages of Pratt’s career will find these shows and movies refreshing and insightful. As Pratt continues to star in major projects and expand his portfolio, these forgotten performances remind us of his persistence and versatility in an ever-evolving industry.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Chris Pratt’s son have a disability?
A. Chris Pratt’s son, Jack, does not have any disabilities. Although there were concerns at birth that he might face developmental issues, both parents state he performs well in school and has not experienced any lasting problems.
Q. Why does Chris Pratt’s son wear glasses?
A. Although many premature babies face issues later in life, Jack’s only problem is wearing glasses. And the three-year-old wears them confidently. His parents have frequently posted pictures showing him in his round glasses.
Q. What is Chris Pratt’s religion?
A. Pratt grew up as a Lutheran. He later collaborated with Jews for Jesus and eventually identified himself as a non-denominational Christian.
