Chris Pratt has admitted that his portrayal of Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation coincided with what he described as a “season of my life where I was drinking and eating a lot.” Speaking on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, the actor opened up about how his relationship with food evolved alongside his career.
++ The world’s rarest porpoise teeters on the brink of extinction
Before joining the sitcom, Pratt confessed he had stopped exercising, which led to fewer job offers. By the time he started Parks and Rec, he recalled, “I’d never seen myself look so fat, but I was the funniest I think I’ve ever been.” Embracing the role, Pratt even approached showrunner Mike Schur to suggest gaining more weight, treating it as a personal challenge. He revealed he would sometimes eat four burgers in one sitting, calling it an “indulgent season” of his life.
The actor admitted that while the period of unrestricted eating was initially “the best,” it eventually left him feeling “terrible.” His transformation became public when he slimmed down dramatically for the role of Peter Quill in Guardians of the Galaxy. The sitcom explained Andy’s new physique in series six by having the character give up beer. Pratt undertook intense training to prepare for the Marvel franchise, marking a turning point in his health and lifestyle.
++ Treasury’s office for value for money to close amid criticism
Today, Pratt says his diet is far more restrained, consisting largely of vegetables, chicken, and rice. He compared meals to “stopping at the petrol station and putting the bare minimum in the tank,” admitting that while food is now “boring,” he feels considerably better for avoiding processed foods and excess sugar.
