Chris Hemsworth will take a break from acting after a series of genetic tests revealed he carries two copies of a gene linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, Vanity Fair reported on November 18.
The middle Hemsworth brother, 39, made the discovery while filming Limitless, his forthcoming National Geographic docuseries about “pushing back on the natural decline that comes with time and aging,” per VF.
On the show, Hemsworth called the discovery “my biggest fear.” Though the results are not a guarantee of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Hemsworth says they make him “8-10” times more likely to develop the disease.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 27: Elsa Pataky , Chris Hemsworth and their kids Sasha and Tristan attends the Sydney premiere of Thor: Love And Thunder at Hoyts Entertainment Quarter on June 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Don Arnold/WireImage)Don Arnold
“It really triggered something in me to want to take some time off,” Hemsworth told VF in an interview. “And since we finished the show, I’ve been completing the things I was already contracted to do. Now when I finish this tour this week, I’m going home and I’m going to have a good chunk of time off and just simplify. Be with the kids, be with my wife.” The Aussie shares three children with his wife of 12 years, Elsa Pataky.
The actor also revealed that there was a discussion about whether or not he should share his results on the show or keep them private. Ultimately, he made the decision to film his results in the hopes that they might inspire someone else to get the test so that they can be better equipped to take preventative measures.
“If this is a motivator for people to take better care of themselves and also understand that there are steps you can take—then fantastic,” Hemsworth says he told the producers. “My concern was I just didn’t want to manipulate it and overdramatize it, and make it into some sort of hokey grab at empathy or whatever for entertainment.”
