’’My Biggest Fear...’’ Chris Is Taking a Break From Acting After Discovering His Risk for a Serious Disease, and Our Hearts Are With Him

At 39, Chris Hemsworth seems to have it all: dashing good looks, a well-respected career as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, and a loving wife and 3 adorable kids. But recently, the actor discovered a surprising revelation about his health that made him reconsider things. Chris bravely decided to share this news with the world and remind us to never take life for granted and make the most out of every moment we have because being alive is a blessing.

He is one of today’s biggest stars.

Hemsworth started his career at 19, appearing in many TV shows. But his major break came in 2011 when he was cast as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a character he has portrayed in 8 movies over a decade. This popular superhero role has promoted him to A-list status in Hollywood, making him one of the most in-demand actors of his generation.

He discovered that he is at a greater risk for Alzheimer’s.

Recently, Hemsworth has been working on the docuseries Limitless alongside his wife, Elsa Pataky. While preparing for a new project about pushing back on the natural decline that comes with time and aging, Chris had to undergo several genetic tests, which revealed what he described as his “biggest fear.”

The tests showed that he had a genetic predisposition for Alzheimer’s.

It happens to only 2-3% of the population.

In fact, his genetic makeup includes 2 copies of the gene APOE4, received by each of his parents, which studies link to an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. According to these studies, 1 in 4 people carry a single copy of the gene, but only 2 to 3% of the population have both, which is the case for Chris.

Consequently, the actor is 8 to 10 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s.

He is taking a break from acting.

Although the Marvel star was naturally concerned by the result of this diagnosis, he was also conscious about not overreacting to the news. He said, “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.” Nevertheless, this revelation has, in fact, made him see things in a different light and affected his future plans. Chris has revealed, “It really triggered something in me to want to take some time off.”

He went on explaining, “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.” But the actor also reassured his fans that his decision is temporary, and he is not quitting acting for good. He noted, “It’s not like I’ve been handed my resignation.”

Furthermore, Hemsworth revealed that his grandad currently has Alzheimer’s. He said, “I’m not sure he actually remembers much anymore, and he slips in and out of Dutch, which is his original language.”

He is living life to the fullest.

The actor is grateful that he now knows this information about his health and can discuss it and raise awareness about it. He explained, ’’It is way more widely acceptable to talk about health and wellness than it was when I was growing up, [...] There’s way more science and awareness of it, and there’s a greater enthusiasm for it.’’ He added, ’’I think far more people are healthier now than we’ve ever been.’’

And Chris is astutely aware of how precious life is and that every single moment we get to live on this planet deserves to be appreciated. His advice is, ’’Live with as big a sense of gratitude and love for life as you can.’’

Do you have any genetic predispositions that you are aware of? Would you have made the same decision as Chris if you were in his shoes?