Chris Hemsworth, in a recent interview with GQ, expressed his want to be remembered as a “good person” in light of his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease.
The 39-year-old Australian actor shot to worldwide stardom after playing the title character in 2011’s Thor, and he has continued in the role, among many others in the MCU, ever since.
The Australian star said last year that he would be taking a break from acting after discovering he had a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease while shooting the first season of the Disney+ series Limitless.
To clarify, Hemsworth inherited two copies of the APOE4 gene, one from each parent. This, in turn, is said to raise the actor’s risk of acquiring Alzheimer’s disease in old age.
The actor said, “It’s not like I’ve been handed my resignation,” but he did add that the news had him wondering whether there were better uses of his time. “It definitely set off a reaction in me that made me want to take a break […] I’ve been finishing up the work I’ve previously agreed to perform.
Now that my tour is over, I am heading home to take some time off and streamline my life. He advised that I spend time with his family.
It’s not a pre-deterministic gene, but it’s a strong signal,” Hemsworth told his admirers. I believe that was more of a deciding factor ten years ago.
Hemsworth revealed that his grandpa Martin, who had Alzheimer’s disease, passed away recently at the age of 93 in a recent interview with GQ. The actor said that many mourners spoke highly of Martin at the service. Specifically, my uncle added, ‘He’s remembered as a decent bloke.’ Hemsworth told the media, “Imagine how pleased he would be if he knew that’s how he will be remembered.
The late Hemsworth grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Illustration by James D. Morgan/Getty
It inspired me to reflect about my own existence. Not even business related issues were involved. It was all about leaving a positive legacy as someone who helped others and made a difference… I don’t spend much time contemplating my legacy or the films that will be made in my honour.
I would like to believe that I left a positive impression on those who knew me. They said I was a decent guy. The actor from “The Cabin in the Woods” compared himself to his granddad.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes cognitive decline over time.
