Chris Hemsworth Is Taking A ‘Curated Approach’ To Acting After Learning He’s High-Risk For Alzheimer’s Disease

Apr 04, 2023

Hollywood superhero Chris Hemsworth may be invincible in the movies, but in real life, he learned that he's at high risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. The discovery prompted the actor to sort out his priorities and change his career direction by cutting back on taking more acting jobs.

Hemsworth, best known for his role as Thor the God of Thunder in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has only four movie projects on his schedule. Sources disclosed to Page Six that he's not going for other roles after he completes work on the superhero movies and a Hulk Hogan biopic. 

Born on Aug. 11, 1983, in Australia, Hemsworth, the middle son among three boys, comes from a family of Dutch immigrants. A grandfather on his mother's side has Alzheimer's disease, but the actor hasn't seen him for some years.

Hemsworth learned of his predisposition after agreeing to do genetic testing for his docuseries, "Limitless" in 2022. The test results confirmed he has the rare but significantly high-risk APOE4 gene. A 2021 study from the National Insitute on Aging showed that 25% of the general population has one copy of this gene and only 2 to 3% have two copies, like Hemsworth. Experts are still learning more about the APOE4 gene and its impact on the brain but he was told by the doctor on his show that this means he’s eight to 10 times more likely to get Alzheimer’s later in life. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting the brain's ability to process memories, thoughts and language. Young people may also develop Alzheimer's but the risk doubles for those above 65 years old. The risk also increases if there's a family history. 

Since finding out that he's an APOE4 carrier, Hemsworth said on "Limitless" that his biggest fear is not remembering his life with his wife and children. The actor admitted that the genetic test result has made him think about his own mortality.

"Most of us, we like to avoid speaking about death in the hope that we'll somehow avoid it," Hemsworth told Vanity Fair in November 2022. "Then to all of a sudden be told some big indicators are actually pointing to this as the route which is going to happen, the reality of it sinks in."

However, Hemsworth also said that the medical prediction was not a death sentence nor a resignation, but it has made him reassess his priorities. He has resolved to make up for the things that count in life. 

"I'm not talking about retiring by any means," the actor clarified. "It's a more curated approach to things." 

The “Ghostbusters” star also said that he aimed to complete a lot of his acting contracts and looked forward to going back home to Australia to be with his family. Hemsworth has been married to Elsa Pataky since 2010. They have three young children: India Rose, born in 2012, and the twins, Sasha and Tristan, born in 2014. 

After news broke of his possible step back from acting, fans encouraged the actor on social media to take a well-deserved break and focus on his health. 

"May it be long past for your illness," a fan wrote, per Fox News. "You have a very happy family. I hope you can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's to the lowest levels. We love you, Chris." 

Will you miss Chris Hemsworth on the big screen? What can you say about his decision to make changes in his life after learning of his health risks? Do you know a Hemsworth fan? Then tell them about this story!