Acting Together: The Pratt Family
Many actors in Los Angeles have non-industry family members living nearby, and chances are they’ve been hauled along to a “real people” casting session or two. But what about families that are made up of actors, those who regularly audition together? Casting Networks sat down with Chris, Dennisha, Declan and Charis Pratt to get a window into the life of what it’s like to balance family life with four acting careers, especially when two of the actors are under 10 years old.
How did you all become an “acting family”?
Dennisha: I had always been performing since I was a kid, but I wasn’t really allowed to go to college for theater or acting or anything like that. So I actually have a degree in child development. But after Chris and I got married and moved to New York, I really found my passion and started pursuing acting seriously. I booked a job working in children’s television that took us to Philadelphia, and I absolutely adored it. While we were in Philly, I had Declan and Charis, and Declan actually came on the show for a few of the Mother’s Day programs with me, so he’s been doing this since he was a baby. Then we moved out to LA, and the first thing that any of us booked was a car commercial. And it was as a family. But Declan actually got repped first out of all of us.
How does that work—as far as how you all are represented?
Chris: Declan is with DDO Artists Agency and Charis is, too. Everyone there is amazing.
Dennisha: I’m commercially repped with BBR (Brady, Brannon & Rich Talent), and I’m so blessed by them. They really are a part of our family. BBR and DDO work really well together, too. Chris is unsigned, but we’ll all get sent out together as a family.
Chris: I’m a music composer and producer, and I primarily go out with them as a commercial actor. So I’ll go out as a dad, and that’s just what I’m comfortable with. Before I started, I didn’t think I would like it so much. But being with the family and doing something as a family, I ended up loving it.
How do you all balance family life with your acting careers?
Chris: I have a retail job that’s flexible in the way that I can switch my hours if I need to. And all the kids’ auditions are after school, so we’re able to get the kids to where they need to be. Their agents are great at helping if we have two auditions at one time.
Dennisha: It’s really incredible to get to experience this as a family because we get to go on this adventure together. One particular example is the day when I had a fitting, the kids had school, Declan had two auditions, and we all had a family audition together. And they were all over the place: West Hollywood, Burbank, Hollywood and Sherman Oaks. We ended up running behind, but our agents and the casting directors were flexible. It could’ve been very stressful and upsetting, but we were all laughing and having fun. As a family, we had a great time doing it together.
Declan and Charis, what are your favorite parts about being actors?
Declan: My favorite thing about auditions is that I always get to meet new people, and it’s a great chance to make friends.
Charis: I like getting to play sassy and funny characters.
Does sharing the Pratt surname with an A-lister affect your careers?
Chris: I mean, is there another Chris Pratt? I didn’t know … But no, not that I’m aware of, as far as if it’s been beneficial or not. I definitely get a Star-Lord comment here or there … or everywhere.
Dennisha: I love telling people I’m Chris Pratt’s wife to see their reactions. They’re like, “Oh I didn’t know he had an African-American wife.” And I’m like, “Yes he does, and he has two children. Oh, I’m talking about my Chris Pratt!” We have fun with it.
Handling the stress and uncertainty that can come with working as an actor is challenging enough for one person. But the Pratt family offers an example of how it’s possible to balance multiple acting careers and still have fun and enjoy the ride. And what drives the Pratts’ success is their camaraderie as a family, so whether you have relatives in the area or a family of friends here, tap into your support system as you journey forward as an actor.
Related articles:
My Casting Story: Mark Atteberry on ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’
My Casting Story: Jaxon Rose Moore on ‘Archive 81’
My Casting Story: Jordyn Curet on ‘Home Economics’
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for breaking industry news and exclusive offers!
