“We Need Those Memories,” Chris Hemsworth Met His 87-Year-Old Wife in Case He Develops Alzheimer’s, and Things Turned Emotional

Known as one of the sexiest men alive, Chris Hemsworth has a global fan base, not only in his country of birth Australia but around the world. Not just because he looks like a Norse god when you give him a hammer and a funny hat, but because he's adept at putting on the shoes of his characters.
Since he first arrived, Chris Hemsworth has been a breath of fresh air on the big screen. He rose to fame for his on-screen personas and for his dynamic roles in "Thor", the Avengers series, "Star Trek", "Men in Black", "Extraction", and many more. His Marvel character, Thor, is without a doubt one of the most famous and admired superheroes in the world. Debuting as a soap opera actor, he is now one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood.
In early January 2023, the actor goes viral after a few months of temporary work hiatus with an emotional video in which he dates his "elderly" wife to erase his fear of Alzheimer's disease.

Chris Hemsworth to take ‘time off’ from acting after discovering Alzheimer’s risk

Chris Hemsworth Source: © chrishemsworth / Instagram

In the docuseries "Limitless", Chris Hemsworth made unexpected revelations about his health. According to this, the actor has a high risk of Alzheimer's disease because he carries 2 copies of the APOE4 gene from his father and mother. APOE4 is the gene most strongly correlated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease and only 2-3% of the population carries this gene from both parents like Chris Hemsworth. That means he is 8-10 times more likely to develop it than the average person.
After discovering the diagnosis, Hemsworth announced he was taking a break from work so he could spend more time with his family. He explained that although he fears that one day these times will fade, the memories he creates with his loved ones will ultimately mean more. He said, “The idea that I won’t be able to remember the life I’ve experienced, or my wife, my kids — this is probably my biggest fear.”

Hemsworth's wife Elsa Pataky showed him that he doesn’t have to go through it alone

Chris Hemsworth Source: © chrishemsworth / Instagram

Hemsworth’s wife, Elsa Pataky attended a special and emotional episode of Limitless. After learning that Hemsworth has a fear of aging, which was further made worse by his health discovery, the show’s team came up with a plan. To surprise her husband and capture his honest response, Pataky was given a special VFX makeup that made her seem 50 years older. Though she felt really vulnerable and did not want Hemsworth to see her like this, she went through with the bit anyway.

Chris Hemsworth Source: © Limitless / National Geographic and co-producers

The show team told Hemsworth that he was meeting an older fan at a dance event for seniors. But instead, it was a blind date with his 87-year-old wife. The actor instantly recognized Pataky and even got teary-eyed. The couple spoke with one another that it was extremely difficult to witness such a shift without the years leading up to it. “I want to live those years with you. We need those memories.” Pataky told her husband.

The actor enjoyed the cathartic moment because it helped him understand that aging is a natural process and that, as long as he had his life partner at his side, he will be OK. "I think what is quite confronting is approaching that age on my own." Hemsworth explained, "What makes it less scary is having someone to experience it with, having people around you that you love — it makes me feel a lot more accepting.”

And Pataky believes that even if her husband has Alzheimer's, he won't forget this moment. So even if at some point he no longer recognizes her face, there is hope that he can keep the memory of his wife as the older version of her. “I think this moment, we will remember forever. It was so deep, so unexpected, I felt safe, it was so beautiful.” Pataky said.