Chris Hemsworth reveals what really pushed him to leave Los Angeles, calls Australia move his ‘greatest decision’ yet

Chris Hemsworth has stated that relocating from Los Angeles to Australia was one of the most important decisions he has made. The actor cited ongoing paparazzi attention and the pressures associated with living in Hollywood as key reasons behind the move.

He and his wife, Elsa Pataky, chose to leave Los Angeles and settle on a rural property in Australia. The decision was shaped by their intention to provide a different environment for their children and to move away from the constant scrutiny that came with life in Los Angeles.

Hemsworth explained that the decision took shape around the time his twin sons were born. While they were based in Los Angeles, he noted that they were not enjoying life there, partly because most of his work required travel elsewhere.

Speaking on the SmartLess podcast, he said, “It was right around the time my boys were born, and it was just, we kind of were set up in LA and not enjoying it, you know? Like nothing was shooting there. We were filming everywhere else.”

He added, “And then … you'd come home and paparazzi and all the sort of the trappings of, you know, living in that space.” These remarks highlight that both professional logistics and lifestyle pressures influenced the decision.

After relocating, Hemsworth and Pataky established their home on a large rural property. Their three children daughter India Rose, 13, and 11-year-old twin sons Sasha and Tristan now grow up in an environment with open land, horses, and motorbikes.

Hemsworth described the setting as a place where his children can move freely and spend time outdoors. He also noted that returning home after months of filming feels different compared to his previous experience in Los Angeles.

“It feels like a holiday. We have a big farm and horses and motorbikes and surf,” he said. The statement reflects how the environment contributes to a sense of balance between work and personal life.

Hemsworth’s upbringing in Australia shares similarities with his current lifestyle. He grew up with his brothers, Liam Hemsworth and Luke Hemsworth, about 20 minutes outside Melbourne.

The area had few neighbors and was surrounded by bushland, which allowed the brothers to spend much of their time outdoors. He has credited those experiences with encouraging creativity and shaping his interest in storytelling and performance.

Before entering the film industry, Hemsworth worked for Fisher & Paykel, where he repaired rented breast pumps returned from pharmacies. His responsibilities included fixing motor belts and cleaning the machines.

His acting career began with smaller television roles in Australia before he secured a role in the soap Home and Away. His global recognition followed The Cabin in the Woods, although its release came after he had already taken on the role of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

He later appeared in major films including The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World, Avengers: Endgame, and Thor: Love and Thunder, establishing his position in global cinema.

In 2024, Hemsworth received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, attended by his wife and children. During his speech, he acknowledged Pataky’s role in his career.

“It doesn't get lost on me that she put aside her own dreams in order to support mine and, again, [I am] forever in your debt,” he said.

He added, “The fact [is] that nothing that I do, any of these moments, these special occasions and events, none of it is special without you by my side. I love you.” His remarks emphasized the importance of her support throughout his career.

Despite his global recognition, Hemsworth noted that his career has little impact on how his children perceive him. Speaking to People magazine at the premiere of Crime 101 at United Theater on Broadway in Los Angeles on February 10, he addressed whether his role as Thor impresses them.

“They don't care. They don't care at all,” he said. He explained that while his children initially found his role exciting when they were younger, their reaction changed over time.

Once they understood that the abilities seen on screen were not real, the interest faded. He added that they now respond with typical teenage indifference, saying, “Now they're just like, 'ah, Dad, whatever.' Teenagers.”

Chris Hemsworth’s move reflects a clear shift toward family-focused living, distancing from Hollywood pressures while maintaining a globally successful acting career.