Chris Pratt: The eternal outsider

Chris Pratt, the main lead in two of the biggest Hollywood franchises "Jurassic World" and "Guardians of the Galaxy" -- is one of its highest-earning stars, but the actor still considers himself an outsider in Hollywood.

"I definitely felt like an outsider (when he started working in the West). I probably still am in a way, although I spend more time in Los Angeles (LA) than out of LA," Pratt told during a Disney press meet for "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" in Tokyo.

Pratt was a homeless man before he rose to stardom. He used to live in a Scooby-Doo van and worked at a seafood restaurant in Hawaii in late 1990s. It was at this restaurant he was discovered by actress Rae Dawn Chong, who then gave him his first film "Cursed Part 3" in 2000.

"People who live in California and LA for a long time... They all become very similar. That is really great but it doesn't necessarily make (for) the most diverse, compelling group of actors," said the star, who grew up in Lake Stevens in Washington state.

Appreciating the new wave of diversity in Hollywood, Pratt said: "People in LA often cast a Canadian, or someone from Australia, Britain or India or anywhere from the outside because they have a point of view that is different from the creators and the writers in LA."

After taking the first step in the glamour world in 2000, Pratt went on to do TV shows like "The Huntress", "The O.C." and "Everwood" but rose to prominence as the chubby and easy-going character named Andy Dwyer in "Parks and Recreation". Today, Pratt is one of the most bankable stars of Hollywood, and he still remembers the point from where he started his career.

He said: "I have some difficulties in life but not in regard to having a meeting with somebody. I am at a point that if I call someone they will take the phone call, but I spent many years when I couldn't get them on the phone."

However, the actor says finding a way into Hollywood has become less complicated over time. At the moment, Pratt is looking forward to the reception of his second outing as Peter Quill also nicknamed Star-Lord with the release of "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" on May 5.

By Sugandha Rawal