Actor Chris Pratt says Christians working in Hollywood must be willing to endure criticism and remain firm in their beliefs, even when it comes at a professional cost.
In an interview with The Christian Post, Pratt said his faith in Jesus Christ is central to his life and guides how he uses his public platform, regardless of backlash.
“I care enough about Jesus to take a stand, even if it costs me,” Pratt said. “It could cost me everything, but I don’t care. It’s worth it to me because this is what I’m called to do.”
Pratt, one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars through roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and Parks and Recreation, acknowledged that openly expressing Christian faith is uncommon in the entertainment industry. Still, he said retreating is not an option.
“I’m not going to hide behind it,” Pratt said. “A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”
The actor said a major motivation for his openness about faith is his role as a father. Pratt has four children and said he wants them to know their father did not shy away from his beliefs.
“I want to raise my children with an understanding that their dad was unashamed of his faith in Jesus,” he said. “I want them to understand the power of prayer and the grace and love and joy that come from a relationship with Christ.”
Pratt also spoke candidly about his faith journey, describing it as uneven and marked by repeated struggles with commitment earlier in life.
“The first time I got on my knees at church and cried, I was a child,” he said. “Then again at 19, and again in my 30s. I would make promises, but I didn’t keep them.”
That changed in 2012 following the premature birth of his son, Jack, who weighed just over three pounds and spent weeks in intensive care.
“I prayed hard to God,” Pratt recalled. “I said, ‘Here I am again, asking for Your grace.’ God really saved my son, and that was the moment my faith was cemented.”
From that point forward, Pratt said he committed to using his career as a way to reflect his beliefs.
“This platform was given to me for a reason,” he said. “I want to affirm believers and encourage them not to be afraid at work or in their lives. I also want to reach people who have no idea who God is.”
Pratt credited spiritual tools like the Bible in a Year podcast on the Hallow app with strengthening his understanding of Scripture. He also partnered with Jonathan Roumie and Mark Wahlberg this year to promote the Pray40 initiative, encouraging daily prayer and Bible reflection during Lent.
The actor said he prefers grace over confrontation when responding to criticism, noting that most backlash comes online rather than face-to-face.
“I’ve never had someone walk up to me and say they were offended by my faith,” Pratt said. “It’s just noise online.”
Rather than engage publicly, Pratt said he prays for critics and focuses on his family.
“If people don’t understand me, I’m going to pray for them,” he said. “Then I’m going to go back and hang out with my kids.”
Pratt emphasized that his faith is not about confrontation or forcing beliefs on others, but about living openly and authentically.
“I want to be a light,” he said. “To people who have never seen light, and to people who turned away from it.”
