Chris Pratt recently appeared on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, where he spoke candidly about his personal life, politics, and his ties to the famous Kennedy family. During the conversation, the Guardians of the Galaxy star shared thoughtful insights on his relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his wife Katherine Schwarzenegger’s family, and how he views the political landscape.
A Family Connection
Pratt, who is married to author Katherine Schwarzenegger, reflected on spending time with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is Katherine’s great-uncle and the cousin of her mother, Maria Shriver.
“I’ve spent a number of occasions hanging with him, just in a strictly family dinner kind of vibe,” Pratt told Maher. “I really got along with him well. I think he’s great. I think he’s funny. I like him. I love him.”
Despite RFK Jr.’s controversial political standing, especially as an independent presidential candidate and former Democrat, Pratt was clear that his relationship with him remains personal and separate from the political spotlight.
Hollywood vs. Politics
Though he stays out of politics, Pratt touched on how public perception can differ wildly from real life — something he’s witnessed both in Hollywood and in observing politics.
“Politics is a nasty business,” Pratt said. “Hollywood in itself is a political institution… I’ve seen how the person you are can be such a contrast to the person that people are being told that you are. And you go, ‘Wow, that is pure fiction.’”
He shared how easy it is for narratives to spiral out of control without the person involved being able to step in and defend themselves, especially when public opinion gets shaped by media or social trends.
“In politics, you inherit enemies,” he added. “When you jump on the bandwagon with who is the most divisive president ever, it makes sense that you’re going to be made to look terrible. And so I don’t know what to believe.”
No Political Debates at the Dinner Table
Pratt was clear that when it comes to family gatherings, politics aren’t on the agenda. “I don’t speak to [Kennedy Jr.] about his political views,” he explained. “I’m not gonna pick his brain to find out exactly which of those things are true.”
Instead, Pratt prefers to keep things light and family-focused. “I just kind of assume that none of them are [true], and for the most part, I wish him well.”
Focus on Common Ground
Despite his apolitical stance, Pratt acknowledged there are bipartisan goals worth supporting — especially when it comes to issues like public health. “There’s certain things that he oversees that seem to be supported in a bipartisan way — like getting terrible toxic stuff out of our kids’ food,” he said. “I think that’s a great thing. If you just do that, that’s amazing.”
He stressed the importance of not letting political hatred get in the way of progress. “I’d hate to be so mired in hatred for the president that any success from his administration is something I’d be having an allergic reaction to,” he joked.
“Be reasonable here. There’s certain things that would be a good thing to have. I want them all to be successful.”
A Balanced Take
Chris Pratt’s comments offer a rare celebrity perspective that focuses on nuance and personal experience rather than public polarization. While he steers clear of political endorsement, he remains grounded in his values of fairness, open-mindedness, and family — even when surrounded by one of America’s most politically famous dynasties.