Christopher Michael Pratt was born in Virginia, Minnesota, to Kathleen Louise (Indahl) and Daniel Clifton Pratt.

The Pratt family moved to Lake Stevens, Washington, where Chris would spend most of his childhood.

Chris Pratt graduated from Lake Stevens High School, where he was active in sports, including wrestling and track.

Pratt attended a local community college but dropped out halfway through the first semester. He then worked various jobs, including as a discount ticket salesman and a daytime stripper, before ending up homeless in Maui.