Chris Hemsworth recently discussed his decision to move from Los Angeles to Australia during an appearance on the “SmartLess” podcast while promoting his latest movie, Amazon MGM’s “Crime 101.” At the height of his Marvel fame, Hemsworth and his wife, Elsa Pataky, chose to leave L.A. and relocate their family to Hemsworth’s homeland, seeking a better balance amid their growing family responsibilities.
Why Hemsworth Chose to Leave Los Angeles
Hemsworth explained that the move happened around the time his sons were born. Despite being established in Los Angeles, the family wasn’t truly happy living there. He described the lack of projects filming locally and the constant presence of paparazzi as major downsides to living in the city. Hemsworth said,
“It was right around the time my boys were born, and it was just, we kind of were set up in L.A. and not enjoying it, you know?”
He added,
“Like nothing was shooting there. We were filming kind of everywhere else and then… you’d come home and paparazzi and all the sort of the trappings of, you know, living in that space.”
– Chris Hemsworth, Actor
How the Move Affected His Career and Lifestyle
Hemsworth called the decision to relocate “the greatest decision” he ever made, emphasizing that it didn’t negatively affect his acting career since much of his work required travel outside of Los Angeles anyway. He highlighted the contrast between his previous life and his current one, saying,
“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.”
He described his Australian home as a place with
“a big farm and horses and motorbikes and surf,”
which provides a refreshing lifestyle for his family. – Chris Hemsworth, Actor
Industry Changes and Timing of the Move
The Hemsworth family’s departure from Hollywood happened years before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and since then, the entertainment industry in Los Angeles has faced additional setbacks such as strikes that further reduced local production. According to recent reports, the number of production days in L.A. for film, television, and commercials dropped by 12.3% in the last quarter of 2025 compared to the previous one. This decline is part of an ongoing trend that began in 2022 and has seen production overall fall to roughly half of what it was in 2019.
Hemsworth’s Career Path Post-Move
Chris Hemsworth’s career began with a Hollywood debut as George Kirk in J.J. Abrams’ 2009 “Star Trek” reboot, before landing the iconic role of Thor in 2011. By the time he moved to Australia, he had already starred in several Marvel films, including “The Avengers,” “Thor: The Dark World,” and “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” He continued acting in major productions like “The Huntsman: Winter’s War” and “Ghostbusters.” Fans can expect to see him reprise his role as Thor later this year in the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday,” scheduled for release in December.
A New Chapter for Hemsworth and Family
The move to Australia allowed Hemsworth and his family to escape the pressures and disruptions of Hollywood life, offering a calmer environment better suited for raising their children. Living on a farm with outdoor activities like surfing and horseback riding has given Hemsworth a sense of peace and renewal that contrasts sharply with his previous urban lifestyle. This choice reflects a broader trend of actors adapting to industry changes and personal priorities, showing how location flexibility can support both family life and career demands.
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