Chris Hemsworth Biography

Australian import Chris Hemsworth is known for portraying Marvel comic book hero Thor in the film series of the same name, and for his role in Snow White and the Huntsman.

Synopsis

Born on August 11, 1983, Australian heartthrob Chris Hemsworth has made quite a name for himself by swinging his hammer as Marvel comic book character Thor in the blockbuster film of the same name, as well as for his performance in The Avengers. In 2013, Hemsworth reprised the role of Thor in the sequel Thor: The Dark World. The Melbourne native and married dad has also appeared in the movies Snow White and the Huntsman, Red Dawnand Star Trek Into Darkness. In 2015, Hemsworth returned to his most popular character, Thor, in Avengers: Age of Ultron. 

Early Years

Actor Chris Hemsworth was born on August 11, 1983, in Melbourne, Australia. Growing up, he spent much of his time with his older brother, Luke, and younger brother Liam (both also became actors too). Surfing was his No. 2 passion—which his siblings also shared—but Hemsworth knew that his first love was acting. After attending Heathmont Secondary College, the aspiring star snagged minor roles in television shows Down Under.

Hemsworth followed in the footsteps of other famous Aussies like Heath Ledger, Isla Fisher, Simon Baker and Naomi Watts by becoming a regular on the soap opera Home and Away. In 2007, after three seasons of playing character Kim Hyde, he headed stateside to continue his entertainment career.

Becoming Thor

It didn't take long for the actor to make it onto the American silver screen when he appeared in J.J. Abrams's 2009 remake of Star Trek. His part as Captain James T. Kirk's dad may have been small, but it was enough of a performance to lead to a huge Hollywood opportunity.

Hemsworth auditioned for the lead in the superhero film Thor. He went up against super stiff competition, including younger brother Liam. But director Kenneth Brannagh chose the older Hemsworth to play the Norse god in the 2011 flick opposite Oscar-winners Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins. This box-office success elevated Hemsworth to A-List status. The following year, he became Thor once more in the The Avengers. Hemsworth was then cast to play the character for a third time in 2013's Thor: The Dark World. He most recently played this popular character in 2015's Avengers: Age of Ultron(2015).

Other Roles

The 6'2" actor's ability to bring in big movie crowds, especially female fans thanks to his chiseled good looks, has helped Hemsworth landed other leading roles besides his work as Thor. He has starred in such other blockbusters like Snow White and the Huntsman (2012) with Kristen Stewart. He also appeared in Star Trek Into Darkness (2013). 

Hemsworth went on to work with iconic director Ron Howard for Rush (2013), a real-life car racing story. Hemsworth teamed up with Howard again for the true shipwrecked tale, In the Heart of the Sea, which is set for a late 2015 release. He also stars in the 2015 summer comedy Vacation with Ed Helms and Leslie Mann.

Personal Life

Talent agent William Ward not only helped his client Hemsworth score primo parts, but it's through the connection that he met his future wife—Spanish actress Elsa Pataky, known for her roles in Snakes on a Plane and Fast Five. The two shared the same representation. Three months after going public with their romance, the 27-year-old married his 34-year-old fiancée on Christmas weekend in 2010 in Australia.

Two years later, the couple welcomed their baby girl, India, into the world. Hemsworth is already vowing to teach his daughter to surf—just as soon as she can walk. In an interview with Yahoo, Hemsworth said, "Having a baby has made everything else less important, and it's just wonderful." The couple added to their growing family with the arrival of twin boys, Tristan and Sasha, in 2014.