Hollywood star Chris Pratt, best known for roles in the Guardians of the Galaxy films, Jurassic World series, and other major blockbusters, once shared a surprising personal preference during a 2022 interview. Speaking on SiriusXM’s Pop Culture Spotlight with Jessica Shaw, the actor revealed that he does not like being addressed by the name “Chris.” Despite his widespread fame under that moniker and his membership in the informal group of “Hollywood Chrises” that includes Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, and Chris Pine, Pratt made it clear that the first name feels unnatural to him in everyday life.
When host Jessica Shaw asked what people typically call him, Pratt responded without hesitation that friends and those close to him use either “Pratt” or “CP.” He explained that “no one calls me Chris,” emphasizing that the shortened version of his given name simply does not stick among the people who know him best. This preference stands in contrast to how the public and media routinely refer to him, highlighting a gap between his public persona and private identity.
Pratt illustrated his point with a specific anecdote involving a recent golf outing. His friend and pastor, Chad, noticed that no one used the name Chris and decided to try it out on the course. Addressing Pratt as “Chris” while telling him it was his turn to play, Chad received an immediate and firm pushback from the actor.
In that moment, Pratt told his pastor that hearing the name felt strange and insisted it was not his name at all. He asked Chad not to call him Chris, underscoring how disconnected he felt from the label that the rest of the world uses so freely. The exchange underscored Pratt’s long-standing comfort with nicknames derived from his surname or initials rather than his first name.
Although his legal name is Christopher Michael Pratt, the actor has long gravitated toward alternatives in personal settings. The interview comments reinforced that “Chris” functions more as a professional or public shorthand for him than as a name he embraces among friends and family. This revelation added an unexpected layer to the image of one of Hollywood’s most recognizable leading men.
The story quickly circulated among entertainment outlets after the interview aired, reminding audiences that even the most familiar celebrities can hold private preferences that diverge from their public branding. Pratt’s candid remarks offered a lighthearted glimpse into how he navigates identity amid fame, preferring the simplicity of “Pratt” or “CP” over the name that has defined his career for millions of fans.