“Guardians of the Galaxy” star Chris Pratt didn’t believe he could physically fit the role of Star Lord.
Pratt is latest leading male to grace the cover of Esquire. However, it’s his candid interview about discovering self-confidence that’s making headlines. Pratt admitted “Guardians of the Galaxy” helped him realize he needed to change his fitness and eating habits. Check out the best snippets from the interview below.
Pratt on why he didn’t think he could play Star Lord:
“When Guardians of the Galaxy was pitched to me, I said, ‘I don't think so.’ I just didn't picture myself getting the role. I didn't want to go and embarrass myself like I did when I auditioned for G.I. Joe a couple of years previously. I went in there, and halfway through I saw the director's eyes just glaze over. It made sense—I was a little heavy and out of shape. I was not gonna play someone from G.I. Joe. I did not look like a G.I. Joe action figure come to life.”
Pratt on how weight gain affected his health:
“It was getting to the point where I would wake up in the middle of the night and I wasn't breathing. A little bit of sleep apnea. My neck was pushing down on my throat, so my sleep felt like it was panicked all night.”
Pratt on how what he feels like post weight-loss:
“I like clothes now. I have more energy. I sleep better. My sex drive is up. Blood's flowing. I'm less susceptible to impulse. I'm in a different mode. When I was way out of shape, the idea of using whitening strips on my teeth seemed terrible. I have to do that every day? I'll never do it. What you want is instant results when you're out of shape. You want your teeth whitened in 45 minutes with the use of lasers. But when you're in shape, you know it's the result of doing a little bit every day. Moments aren't just moments.”
