You probably recognize that jawline. Or maybe it was the way he moved in that one music video that’s lived rent-free in your head for a decade. Honestly, trying to pin down Colt Prattes to just one thing is a bit of a lost cause. He’s the guy who had the impossible task of filling Patrick Swayze’s shoes, the "hunk" who survived a literal paint-war with P!nk, and most recently, the guy making everyone rethink their holiday movie priorities.
But if you look at the full list of Colt Prattes movies and TV shows, you’ll realize he isn’t just a dancer who happens to act. He’s a Broadway-trained powerhouse who somehow feels just as comfortable in a gritty Sundance drama as he does in a cheesy Christmas flick.
That "Try" Video and the Broadway Roots
Most people think Colt just appeared out of thin air in 2012. You remember the video: P!nk, a lot of colored powder, and some of the most intense contemporary choreography ever put on film. That was "Try." It wasn't just a music video; it was a four-minute athletic feat.
But before he was P!nk’s go-to guy, Colt was a theater nerd in the best way possible. We’re talking West Side Story, A Chorus Line, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying on Broadway. He didn't just walk onto a movie set; he spent years grinding in the "professional nomad" life of a stage performer.
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The Dirty Dancing Remake (Yes, He Heard the Critics)
Look, we have to talk about the elephant in the room. In 2017, ABC decided to remake Dirty Dancing. Colt was cast as Johnny Castle.
Talk about a high-stakes gig.
Replacing Patrick Swayze is basically a suicide mission in the eyes of hardcore fans. The remake got… well, let’s call it "mixed" reviews. But here’s the thing: if you actually watch Prattes, the guy can dance. He brought a different kind of physicality to the role—less "80s cool" and more "modern athletic grace." He admitted in interviews that he was terrified, but he did it anyway. He wasn’t trying to be Swayze; he was trying to honor the guy who made it okay for a kid from Georgia to pick up dance instead of just sticking to sports.
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Beyond the Dancing: TV Guest Spots and Series
Since the Catskills, Colt has been popping up in places you might not expect.
- This Is Us (2021): He showed up as "Joe" in the episode "Jerry 2.0." It was a smaller role, but for a show that thrives on emotional nuance, it showed he could handle more than just a choreographed routine.
- This Close (2018): This is where he really got to show some range. He played Ryan in this Sundance Now series, which is groundbreaking for its portrayal of the Deaf community.
- Law & Order (2025): He recently stepped into the iconic procedural world as Johnny Colvin. If you've made it onto Law & Order, you've officially arrived in the "working actor" pantheon.
- Deadly Misconduct (2021): A classic TV thriller where he plays Mark. It’s a bit of a departure from the "nice guy dancer" vibe, proving he can do the "suspicious guy" thing too.
The Netflix Christmas Pivot: The Merry Gentlemen
Fast forward to late 2024, and Colt is suddenly a holiday staple. The Merry Gentlemen hit Netflix and basically broke the "hot guy in a Christmas movie" trope. He plays Troy, and let’s be real—the movie is basically Magic Mike meets The Grinch.
It’s fun, it’s self-aware, and it uses his specific skill set (dancing, looking great without a shirt, and actual comedic timing) perfectly. Alongside Britt Robertson and Chad Michael Murray, Colt proved that he’s found a niche that works: the talented, slightly goofy, incredibly fit leading man.
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The Full Colt Prattes Filmography (The "Just Give Me the List" Version)
If you’re trying to binge-watch his career, here’s the chronological breakdown of the stuff that matters:
- Mercy (2010): His TV debut as Doug Taplin.
- P!nk: Try (2012): The music video that changed everything.
- The Truth About Love Tour: Live from Melbourne (2013): If you want to see him perform live, this is the gold standard.
- Dirty Dancing (2017): The TV movie remake.
- This Close (2018): Recurring role as Ryan.
- A Snow White Christmas (2018): Playing Lucas Prince.
- Deadly Misconduct / Notte di bugie (2021): The thriller turn as Mark.
- This Is Us (2021): Guest appearance as Joe.
- Secrets Beneath the Floorboards (2023): Playing Holden McKeon.
- The Merry Gentlemen (2024): His Netflix breakout as Troy.
- Law & Order (2025): Guest role as Johnny Colvin.
Why He’s Not Just "The Guy From the Video"
The industry is full of "one-hit wonders" who can dance but can't carry a scene. Colt is different because he’s a student of the craft. He’s married to fellow performer Angelina Mullins, and together they’ve built a brand around fitness and performance (they even have a business called RippedTogether).
He’s also incredibly open about his journey. He didn’t start dancing until he was 15—which is "late" in the dance world. He had to work double-time at Pebblebrook High School to catch up. That work ethic shows. Whether he’s playing a stripper in a Christmas movie or a guest on a heavy drama, there’s a level of "earned" presence there.
What to Watch First
If you're new to the "Colt-verse," don't start with the Dirty Dancing remake—save that for when you're feeling nostalgic. Start with The Merry Gentlemen on Netflix for the laughs and the choreography. Then, go back and watch the "Try" video to understand the sheer power he brings to a performance. Finally, find his episodes of This Close to see the acting chops.
Your Next Steps:
- Stream "The Merry Gentlemen" on Netflix to see his most recent leading role.
- Check out his Broadway credits if you're ever in NYC; he often returns to his stage roots.
- Follow his fitness journey via RippedTogether if you're looking for the workout routine that keeps him in "Johnny Castle" shape.