Marvel actor opens up about Alzheimer's discovery
The star is known for his healthy and active lifestyle, but has had to accept a devastating reality.
We often forget that Hollywood stars and celebrities are just people, too.
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While their lives might differ from ours in significant ways, there are still some things that affect all humans, no matter how much money or fame you have.
Even your favourite “superheroes” aren’t invincible.
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In the 2022 series ‘Limitless’, actor Chris Hemsworth revealed that he discovered through genetic testing that he is eight to 10 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
Best known for his role as 'Thor' in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the tests showed he had two copies of the APOE4 gene, which is associated with an increased risk of developing the disorder.
Hemsworth emphasised at the time that this is not a diagnosis and that it is not definite that he would develop the neurological disorder; however, he is at higher risk.
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It didn't come as much of a shock to him after his grandfather had been diagnosed with the condition, and in November 2025, he also shared the news that his father had also received the same diagnosis.
While promoting his new movie 'Crime 101', Hemsworth was very vulnerable about the fears he has since learning the test results.
I wondered if I was letting people too far in. Are they no longer going to believe in the action star or the Marvel character? And do I want people to know my fears and insecurities to this level?
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Hemsworth also says the news made him concerned about his career and if film studios would see him in a different light because of it.
Playing a god became a safety net. It fooled people into thinking I was that confident, that certain.
Since doing the genetic testing and finding out about his father, Hemsworth said he has changed his approach to his career, but it has also changed him in other meaningful ways.
I’ve become more aware of the fragility of things. You start thinking, ‘My dad won’t be here forever.’ And my kids are now 11 and 13. Those nights where they’d fight over sleeping in our bed – suddenly they’re not happening any more.
He also recently went on a bonding trip and adventured with his dad in the 2025 National Geographic documentary 'A Road Trip To Remember'.
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The father-son duo travelled through Australia together, and Hemsworth calls it "a love letter to my father".
It empowered him for a period and stimulated memories that were being taken away from him.
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