On Wednesday, “Saturday Night Live” announced that Chris Pratt would host its 40th season premiere on Sept. 27 — his first time helming NBC’s storied late-night franchise.
Anyone following Pratt’s career as of late should be none-too-surprised that “SNL” would choose him to open its season. The 35-year-old actor has had a Matthew McConaughey-like breakout year, going from goofy sidekick to leading man.
Before he takes the 8H stage with musical guest Ariana Grande later this month, here’s a look at the five reasons Pratt is having the best year ever.
He is getting more love on ‘Parks and Recreation’
The departures of co-stars Rob Lowe and Rashida Jones at midseason opened up some room for Pratt’s Andy Dwyer to get some more screen-time on the NBC comedy as it heads into its final season.
Case in point? A whole section of the “Parks and Rec” Web site is devoted to “The Best of Chris Pratt” videos.
He has become a bankable movie star
It’s been an underwhelming summer at the box office — except for movies starring Pratt.
Of the top three grossing movies of 2014, he has toplined two of them: “Guardians of the Galaxy” ($296 million domestically) and “The LEGO Movie” ($258 million).
He was cast in one of 2015’s biggest blockbusters
Earlier this year, Pratt confirmed he had been cast as the lead in “Jurassic World,” the fourth film in the franchise that will pick up 22 years after the first movie.
“Jurassic World” is set to premiere in the heart of summer blockbuster season with a release date of June 12, 2015.
He is a total charmer in interviews
While on the media circuit promoting “Guardians of the Galaxy” in July, Pratt showed off his French-braiding skills on an “Entertainment Tonight” intern — while continuing the interview. Talk about a multitalented guy!
He’s got a hot body
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The formerly chubby star proved he could get ripped, showing off his action-hero worthy six-pack in “Guardians of the Galaxy” — not that “SNL” has noticed.