Chris Hemsworth is taking “some time off” from acting after discovering he has a high chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The Marvel star was given the news while filming his new Disney+ series Limitless, in which he meets a doctor and learns he is genetically predisposed to develop the neurological disorder which affects memory and other brain functions.
Hemsworth’s DNA contains two copies of the APOE4 gene – one from each of his parents – which means his chance of developing the disease is eight to 10 times higher than the average person’s. Speaking to Vanity Fair, he said the revelation has prompted him to take a break from acting after concluding the press tour for his series.
He said: “It really triggered something in me to want to take some time off. It’s not like I’ve been handed my resignation.
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“I'm going to recharge now and just not be so focused on the future. And since we finished the show, I’ve been completing the things I was already contracted to do.”
The 39-year-old has already completed production on the upcoming Netflix sequel Extraction 2 and the Mad Max: Fury Road prequel Furiosa. He continued: “Now, when I finish this tour, I’m going home, and I’m going to have a good chunk of time off – be with the kids, be with my wife – and just simplify.
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Hemsworth and his wife of 12 years Elsa Pataky, 46, share three children, 10-year-old India and 8-year-old twins Sasha and Tristan. Elsewhere in the interview, the Australian actor discussed his grandfather, who was diagnosed with 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, so he’ll be talking Dutch and English and then a mash-up and then maybe some other new words as well.”
He also revealed Disney offered him a version of Limitless without the revelation included, but he was keen to keep it in as potential motivation for viewers. He said: “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.
“My concern was I just didn’t want to manipulate it and overdramatise it, and make it into some sort of hokey grab at empathy or whatever for entertainment.”
Hemsworth — who has appeared as the God of Thunder in nine Marvel Cinematic Universe films, including four solo films – also said he is “completely open” to returning to the role if “there is something unique and fresh and unexpected to do with the character and the world.”
“I’ve always loved the experience. I’ve been very thankful I’ve been able to do something different each time,” he added.
Limitless is available to stream now on Disney+.
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