Chris Hemsworth Declares Australian Return His 'Greatest Decision'
Chris Hemsworth has emphatically stated that leaving the United States to return to his native Australia stands as the "greatest decision" he has ever made. The Avengers star shared this heartfelt revelation during a recent episode of the Smartless podcast, reflecting on the transformative impact of the move for his family.
Escaping the Trappings of Los Angeles Life
Hemsworth explained that the decision to depart Los Angeles came around the time his twin boys, Sasha and Tristan, now 11, were born. He and his wife, Spanish model Elsa Pataky, felt unsettled in the city. "We kind of were set up in L.A. and not enjoying it," Hemsworth admitted. The actor noted that filming commitments rarely took place in Los Angeles, leading to frequent travel. Upon returning home, they faced the constant presence of paparazzi and other intrusions, which he described as "the trappings of living in that space."
A New Life on an Australian Farm
In 2014, the family relocated to Byron Bay on the northern New South Wales coast, purchasing a $7 million estate that was later reconstructed into a luxurious mansion. The property features six bedrooms, a media room, gym, spa, and game room. Hemsworth now lives on what he calls a "big farm" with Pataky and their three children: the twin boys and their daughter, India Rose, 13.
He contrasted his current lifestyle with his previous one, emphasizing the benefits for his children. "You know, when you come back from work, you wanna go on a holiday? Like coming home for me is—it feels like a holiday," Hemsworth said. The farm offers horses, motorbikes, and access to surfing, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and connection with nature.
Childhood Adventures Inspired Acting Passion
Hemsworth drew parallels between his children's upbringing and his own childhood in Australia. He grew up in a rural area about 20 minutes from Melbourne's suburbs, where the nearest neighbor was a kilometer or two away. Surrounded by bushland and rainforest, he and his brothers, Liam and Luke Hemsworth, engaged in outdoor adventures and role-playing games. "We would just [have] adventures outdoors and playing different characters," he recalled. "And I think that's, to be honest, where the sort of intrigue or interest in that transportation into another [character] comes from."
Brothers Follow Suit in Australian Moves
Notably, Hemsworth's brothers have also purchased homes in Australia, drawing further attention to the region. This family trend underscores a broader shift away from Los Angeles among entertainment professionals.
Industry Trends Away from Los Angeles
Hemsworth is not alone in leaving Los Angeles. Last month, actor Joe Manganiello and his fiancée, Caitlin O'Connor, discussed their move from California to Pennsylvania with Fox News Digital. O'Connor cited rising crime rates in Los Angeles and changes in the entertainment industry. "L.A. is no longer the entertainment capital of the world," she asserted, noting that auditions often occur via Zoom, premieres are frequently held in New York, and studios are expanding in New Jersey and overseas. "The industry has moved. It's no longer there," she concluded, echoing a sentiment that may resonate with Hemsworth's own experiences.
Overall, Hemsworth's decision highlights a personal and professional recalibration, prioritizing family privacy, natural surroundings, and a lifestyle reminiscent of his roots over the glamour and pressures of Hollywood.
