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When Chris Pratt's son was born 9 weeks premature, he made a deal that could've 'cost him everything'.

In the world of Hollywood, being openly religious is sometimes linked to controversy. And no one knows this better than Chris Pratt.

The Guardians of the Galaxy star recently shared the deeply personal moment that solidified his Christian faith — revealing how his son Jack's premature birth led him to make a life-changing promise to God.

"He had all of these issues going on," Chris told the Christian Post. "I prayed hard to God. I was in a season of transition spiritually at that 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.'"

"If you save my son, I will give you everything. I will give you my life. I will give you my platform. I won't be ashamed to talk to you, talk about you," Pratt recalled of his desperate prayer.

Watch Chris Pratt speak on how his religion has helped him manage fame. Article continues after video.


Video via YouTube/The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Now 12, Pratt's son Jack — who he shares with ex-wife, actress Anna Faris — was born nine weeks premature in 2012. Weighing less than two kilos and suffering from brain bleeding, doctors weren't certain about the baby's prognosis.

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Once Jack pulled through, Pratt kept his promise to God, and became increasingly vocal about his Christian faith — despite knowing what it might cost him in an industry not exactly known for its religious enthusiasm.

"I care enough about Jesus to take a stand, even if it costs me. It could cost me everything, but I don't care. It's worth it to me," the actor said in the interview.

Chris Pratt's openness about his Christian faith has frequently placed him at the centre of public discourse in Hollywood. While many fans appreciate his authenticity, his religious expressions have sometimes sparked controversy and backlash on social media.

Actor Chris Pratt, wife Anna Faris and son Jack Pratt attend the ceremony honoring Chris Pratt with a star on the Hollywood Walk of FamePratt shares a son with ex-wife Anna Faris. Image: Getty.

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But this isn't the first time Pratt's personal life has put him in the crosshairs of public opinion.

After finalising his divorce from Faris in 2017, Pratt began dating Katherine Schwarzenegger in 2018, and the couple tied the knot in June 2019. In August 2020, they welcomed their first child together, daughter Lyla Maria, but in 2021, the actor faced intense criticism after posting an Instagram tribute to his second wife, thanking her for giving him "a beautiful, healthy daughter."

Many interpreted this as a slight against his son Jack and ex-wife Anna Faris, given Jack's premature birth and resulting health challenges.

Chris Pratt and wife Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt attends the special screening of Universal Pictures' Chris Pratt and his wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger. Image: Getty.

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The backlash was overwhelming, and in a 2022 Men's Health interview, Pratt admitted it deeply affected him.

"It really f***ng bothered me, dude. I cried about it," he said. "My son's gonna read that one day. He's nine. And it's etched in digital stone. I hate that these blessings in my life are — to the people close to me — a real burden."

The healthy daughter comment was far from Pratt's only brush with internet infamy. He's been labelled the "worst Chris" in Hollywood when compared to Evans, Hemsworth, and Pine, and social media campaigns occasionally call for him to be removed from projects.

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In 2023, Pratt and his wife found themselves, once again, at the centre of controversy when they purchased the iconic Zimmerman House in Brentwood for a cool $12.5 million. Within days, the 1950 architectural gem was reduced to rubble.

The mid-century modern masterpiece, designed by renowned architect Craig Ellwood, was considered a significant example of post-war modernist architecture in LA. But apparently, that wasn't enough to save it from the celebrity couple's renovation plans. The demolition sparked fierce criticism online, with architectural enthusiasts and preservationists expressing their disappointment on social media.

Chris Pratt attends the premiere of Image: Getty.

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There have also been persistent rumours about Pratt's church affiliations, with many associating him with Hillsong Church, which has faced criticism for its stance on LGBTQ+ issues.

Pratt has directly addressed this misconception, telling Men's Health, "I never went to Hillsong. I don't know anyone from that church."

Feature Image: Getty.

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