Chris Pratt, best known for his role as Star-Lord in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has shared how his son’s premature birth cemented his faith, transforming both his spirituality and his purpose as a public figure. This powerful moment unfolded during the early hours of August 25, 2012, when Pratt’s son, Jack, was born seven weeks early, weighing just 3 pounds and 10 ounces. The challenges surrounding Jack's premature birth greatly affected Pratt, leading him on a significant faith-driven path.
Reflecting on this life-altering experience, Pratt shared insights during an interview with The Christian Post published on March 6, 2025. “He had all of these issues going on. I prayed hard to God. I was in a season of transition spiritually at the time, and didn’t quite fully understand. I made a deal with God again: ‘I’m sorry, God, here I am again, asking for your grace again,’” he recounted. This intense period of his life solidified his beliefs, with Pratt stating, “That was the moment [my faith] was cemented.”
Pratt's challenges didn’t end after Jack’s birth, as he and then-wife Anna Faris endured the emotional strain of watching their newborn undergo treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for nearly a month. Faris recalls the anxious moments too, noting the chaos of when her water broke at seven months. “We rushed to the hospital, and they were able to halt active labor with magnesium,” she told Redbook magazine back in 2015. “But on the seventh day, I went back to labor again.” The couple could hold Jack briefly before he was transferred to intensive care, marking the beginning of their harrowing experience as new parents.
Now, as Jack celebrates his 12th birthday, Pratt has continued to vocalize the importance of faith and family. He expressed gratitude on social media with heartfelt tributes, saying, “Happy Birthday to my wonderful son Jack. I thank God every day for you sweet boy.” Pratt shared images of Jack on his farm, emphasizing their bond through daily activities, from feeding animals to spending time together at the Seattle Seahawks game last November.
After the trials surrounding Jack's health, Pratt's commitment to his faith grew. “Moving forward, I’m going to give my platform to God,” he vowed, changing his public persona to include open discussions about his beliefs. This shift is not merely for personal satisfaction; Pratt longs to uplift others who share his faith. “This platform was […] for a reason. I want to affirm the people who are believers in Christ,” he stated, urging believers to stand firmly with their faith. His mission has now expanded to reach non-believers, aiming to share the light he has found with those who “have seen light but turned away from it or been afraid of it.”
Chris Pratt's Hollywood narrative also roots itself deeply within persistence and resilience. Starting his acting career waiting tables at age 19, he faced years of struggle before gaining prominence through his breakout roles, such as Andy Dwyer on Parks and Recreation. His real rise, though, came during 2014, starring as Star-Lord and Emmett Brickowski in blockbusters Guardians of the Galaxy and The Lego Movie. Although success is sweet, he communicates openly with fans about the underlying importance of faith and mission beyond fame.
The recognition of his son Jack’s story also impacts how Pratt raises his daughters—Lyla and Eloise, as well as his new son, Ford, with wife Katherine Schwarzenegger. These experiences shaped his parenting philosophy, which he shares even online, with family moments featured across social media. For Father’s Day, Pratt donned a “Girl Dad” shirt, proudly embracing his responsibilities as he carries Lyla on his shoulders during outings and immerses himself in family activities.
Pratt's dedication to spending quality family time extends to celebrating holidays, trick-or-treating with his daughters, and setting up the Elf on the Shelf for Christmas traditions. His life encapsulates the balance between bringing the joy of family and reinforcing faith values learned throughout his personal growth. It’s clear his son’s health challenges have shaped him not only as a father but as someone intent on spreading positivity. While many Hollywood actors shy away from discussing faith, Pratt embraces this aspect, creating space for open dialogue surrounding spirituality.
His commitment is twofold—first, to his personal growth and second, to elevati having the conversations many within Hollywood often shy away from. Moving forward, with more projects on the horizon and his voice growing louder, Chris Pratt appears determined to shine his light on believing, encouraging others facing similar struggles to embrace faith wholeheartedly.