Australian actor Chris Hemsworth, known for his role as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is reportedly stepping back from Hollywood due to his increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Chris Hemsworth discovered his genetic predisposition to the illness while filming an episode of his Disney+ docuseries, Limitless. During the show, Hemsworth underwent bloodwork that revealed he is part of the 2-3% of people who possess two copies of the APOE4 gene, making him eight to ten times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s compared to the general population.
Although Hemsworth is not planning on retiring from acting, he reportedly takes a more curated approach to selecting film roles. In an interview with Vanity Fair, he clarified that he is “not talking about retiring by any means.” Hemsworth has four projects in the pipeline: a new Avengers sequel and a biopic on wrestling icon Hulk Hogan. However, a source told Page Six that his schedule looks clearer beyond these films due to his concern over his increased Alzheimer’s risk.
By reducing his involvement in Hollywood and taking a more selective approach to future projects, Hemsworth can focus on his health and well-being while maintaining a presence in the industry.
