Chris Hemsworth to break from acting after discovering Alzheimer’s risk

Stevian Francis

1 year ago

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‘Thor’ actor Chris Hemsworth is set to take an indefinite break from Hollywood after his discovery of being at a significantly heightened risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease due to genetic factors.

The news comes after the 39-year-old’s discovery that he had inherited two copies of the ApoE4 gene from his parents, after undergoing tests as part of his Disney+ documentary series “Limitless”.

Speaking to the fashion publication Vanity Fair Hemsworth shared that those tests confirmed his “biggest fear”.

During the interview, he shared that he is among an estimated 2-3% of the population who are up to 10 times more likely to develop the disease than those without both copies of the gene.

“It’s not like I’ve been handed my resignation,” Hemsworth said – but working on the show which tests his body and explores ways to live longer and healthier, “really triggered something in me to want to take some time off,” the Australian actor shared.

“If you look at Alzheimer’s prevention, the benefit of preventative steps is that it affects the rest of your life,” he said. “It’s all about sleep management, stress management, nutrition, movement, fitness. It’s all kind of the same tools that need to be applied in a consistent way.”

The actor clarified that it wasn’t a diagnosis: “It’s not a pre-deterministic gene, but it is a strong indication. Ten years ago, I think it was more thought of as determinant.”

Hemsworth noted that the documentary series creator, Darren Aronofsky, along with one of the doctors on the show, Peter Attia, discussed how the diagnosis would be covered.

It was initially planned that the actor received all his genetic test results live to camera however Aronofsky told him privately once they got the results, The Guardian reports.

Hemsworth was subsequently given the option of deleting all references to Alzheimer’s in the show, but he instead opted to include his genetic predisposition for the deteriorating neurological condition.

It’s understood that he wanted to help his audience improve their awareness and understanding of how to take “preventative steps”.

“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,” he shared with Vanity Fair.

Hemsworth also confirmed to the magazine his grandfather was currently being treated for Alzheimer’s.

The actor has a role in the upcoming action flix- Mad Max: Furiosa, which wrapped earlier this month.

 He said he intends to step back from acting following the publicity tour for Limitless, along with his other contracted work.

He added that he will be going home to Byron Bay to spend time with his partner, actor Elsa Pataky, and the couple’s three children. “I’m going to have a good chunk of time off and just simplify. Be with the kids, be with my wife.”