Chris Pratt, a renowned American actor known for his roles in blockbuster films like Jurassic World (2015) and Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), has a personal life that is as compelling as his on-screen characters. Born in Virginia, Minnesota, Pratt is the son of Kathleen Louise “Kathy” Pratt, who worked at a Safeway supermarket, and Daniel Clifton “Dan” Pratt, who had a career in mining and house remodeling.
Raised in Lake Stevens, Washington, Pratt’s upbringing was marked by both love and challenges, particularly influenced by his parents’ professions and personal journeys. Throughout his career, the actor has openly discussed the impact his parents have had on his life.
His Parental Lineage Showcases a Multifaceted Ethnic Mix
Chris’ ethnic background is as diverse as his acting portfolio, with roots stretching across Europe and North America. His mother Kathy’s Norwegian heritage, along with his father Daniel’s English, German, Swiss-German, and French Canadian ancestry, blends into a rich cultural tapestry.
This blend of Nordic and Western European genes not only contributes to his unique personal identity but has also played a role in his physical attributes and capabilities. During the filming of “Jurassic World,” Pratt experienced a motorcycle accident. Despite not being skilled with motorbikes, his confidence led him to lose control and slip in the mud. Fortunately, the Hollywood star was unharmed, joking that his “Norwegian feet and head” helped him avoid any injuries.
Daniel Clifton Pratt Was A Stubborn Independent
Chris’s father Dan Pratt was born on October 1, 1953, in Virginia, Minnesota, and passed away on June 30, 2014, in Lake Stevens, Washington. During his life, he left a profound impact on those around him, especially his son, Chris. Chris was in New Orleans, busy with a film, when he received the heartbreaking news of his father’s death. He recalled with GQ how he managed his grief privately upon learning of his dad’s passing, “I knew being the lead in the movie that I was really responsible for everybody’s attitude.”
Dan was primarily a contractor, known for his robust work ethic and problem-solving abilities. Chris fondly remembers, “He was a hard worker,” who could tackle any physical challenge and was adept at figuring things out on the fly. However, when MS struck, it tested Dan’s limits, impacting his physical capabilities and eventually his spirit. Despite his toughness, the disease led to significant changes, including his separation from Chris’s mother Kathy, and a gradual withdrawal from life.
He describes his father as initially combative but eventually resigned, “He was pretty ornery to begin with and so that just made him more ornery.” Dan’s steadfast refusal to seek treatment or alter his lifestyle was a source of frustration yet also a bizarre form of inspiration for Chris, who admired his stubborn independence.
As Chris navigates his life without his father, he recognizes this loss as a pivotal moment, defining a new phase in his life. He reflects on the mixed emotions surrounding his father’s passing, acknowledging the relief from the constant concern for a man who “never fucking wanted us there anyway.” This candid acknowledgment of their strained relationship shows a deeper understanding and acceptance of his father’s complex character.
Kathy Pratt Now Lives in Arlington, WA
Chris’s connection to Washington remains deep, despite his global fame as he spent the entirety of his childhood and high school years after his family relocated to Lake Stevens, Washington, in 1987. Today, his mother, Kathy, a long-time employee at the Safeway in Lake Stevens, continues to make her home in Arlington, Washington.
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Chris’s Heartfelt Tribute to His Mother On Mother’s Day
He consistently honors the maternal figures in his life each Mother’s Day without fail. His posts overflow with deep respect and admiration for these women. On May 14, 2023, he extended Mother’s Day wishes not only to his wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, but also to his own mother, Kathy, 69, and his mother-in-law, Maria Shriver.
Pratt expressed his gratitude in a heartfelt post, saying: “Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers out there. Especially grateful today for Katherine. You’re a wonderful partner. You’ve provided me such a blessed life. Our two daughters are so lucky to have you and you’re the best step mama to Jack.”
He shared his appreciation for his mother, Kathy: “And to my mom, Kathy, you raised us with such love and light and laughter—so grateful for you today and always.”
He concluded his tributes with warm words for his mother-in-law: “And to the best Mama G, I’m lucky to have you as a mother-in-law. And to all of the other moms in my life, I’m so grateful for all you do—thank you so much.”
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His social media platforms frequently feature family photographs, including a notable one of his mother from 1973 on 2022’s ‘Mother’s Day.’
National Siblings Day Celebrations
He also consistently celebrates National Siblings Day with his brother Cully and sister Angie. In April 2021, Chris shared a throwback photo from a Christmas gathering in Alaska dated back to 1985. He wrote the caption,
“#nationalsiblingday Here are me and my siblings @angierae75 and @cullypratt in Alaska at Christmas circa 1985. Note the strategically placed poinsettias cause we had holes in our pants.”
This post not only highlights his playful relationship with his siblings but also reflects a sense of nostalgia and familial pride.
His Paternal Grandmother Died in 2015
Pratt’s family endured the loss of his paternal grandmother, Adeline Catherine (née Limmer) Pratt, who passed away on March 23, 2015. Her death came just a year after the passing of his father, Daniel. Adeline was 87 years old and lived at Chestnut Grove in Virginia at the time of her passing.
She married Clifton Pratt in June 1946 in Virginia. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to her family as a homemaker and extended her care to the community as a long-time volunteer at the Virginia Regional Medical Center Convalescent Center.
Adeline’s legacy continues through her extensive family, including three children, 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
