Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky's relationship timeline

Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky have been together for over 12 years, and while the couple have admitted their relationshiphasn't always been plain sailing, it's clear they remain as close as ever.

In 2022, the Thor star even included his wife and daughter in Thor: Love and Thunder, following on from the very special cameo Elsa had in the earlier Marvel film Thor: The Dark World.

And while the couple have recently had to deal with the shocking news that Chris is at high-risk of developing Alzheimer's, he and Elsa are evidently making the most of their time in the present with their family.

Now, join HELLO! as we explore the story of the Australian and Spanish stars' relationship so far.

How did Chris Hemsworth meet Elsa Pataky?

The Cabin in the Woods actor and the Spanish actress and model met when they were introduced to each other by a talent agent in 2010.

READ: Everything to know about Chris Hemsworth's wife Elsa Pataky

A few months later, the two publicly announced their relationship by attending the opening gala for the Resnick Pavilion at the Los Angeles Museum of Art.

Speaking about their almost immediate connection when they met, Chris told Elle in 2015: "There was no light bulb moment. From the first time we met, we just made sense. She's fun. She's outgoing, and she has a sense of humor and a passionate attitude toward life, which is nice to try and keep up with."

Having fallen head of heels for each other, Chris and Elsa's relationship developed quickly following their first meeting. And after only three months of dating, the couple decided to tie the knot.

When did Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky get married?

The Hollywood couple married in a sudden ceremony while enjoying a family vacation on the island of Sumba in Indonesia. Their wedding occurred December 26, 2010.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain in 2016 about their spur of the moment decision to wed, the Thor: Ragnarok star said: "It did happen quick and it just felt right, just, it made sense. There was no great plan to any of it to be honest, we were on holiday and we said 'why don't we get married too?' and then the next minute...

SEE: Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky get sweet matching tattoos

"There probably should have been some planning but it all worked out," he then admitted. "Honestly, we had both our families on holiday at the same time, just randomly, and we said this is a good opportunity with everyone together so we just did it."

Since getting married, Chris and Elsa have struggled to manage their time together with their family and work commitments. In 2020, Elsa explained her feelings on the matter to Body+Soul magazine, saying: "I love acting, but having balance is important to me. So, if something comes along that fits into my life and lets me work close to home, then I'm happy to do it."

READ: Elsa Pataky opens up about 'dream' life with Chris Hemsworth and children

Thankfully, the couple have been able to enjoy some time together while also enjoying their work. In 2017 they starred together in Horse Soldiers, an acting experience which Chris described as "fantastic".

"It felt like a little holiday, you know? Because the kids stayed in L.A. and Elsa and I got to go to Albuquerque, [New Mexico] for a week and kind of work together and hang out. That period for us was a great opportunity to just kind of hang out," he told Entertainment Tonightin 2017.

Are Chris and Elsa still together?

Yes, the actor – who is soon to star in Netflix's Extraction 2 – and the Spanish actress and model have been together for just under 13 years and their marriage is still going strong. However, the two have opened up in the past about how keeping their relationship going for so many years has not always been easy.

Speaking to GQ Australia about their relationship in 2017, Chris said: "[Elsa has] certainly given up more than I have. She'd like me to step back and be at home with the kids more, and of course, I want that too. But I feel like I’m at this crucial point in my career – I’ve just got to set up for longevity or I’ll slip off."

However, the Melbourne-born star spoke hopefully about their love: "My wife and I fell in love, had kids, didn't really see each other for a few years, then fell back in love."

In 2016, the A-listers were quick to shoot down rumors that their marriage was not working out with a humorous message on social media.

How many kids does Thor actor Chris Hemsworth have?

Chris and Elsa have three children: one daughter, India Rose, who is ten-years old, and two twin boys, Tristan and Sasha, both aged nine.

VIEW: Chris Hemsworth shares videos of incredible night out with his family

The couple often show glimpses of their family life on social media. In March 2023, they faced some anger from fans after posting a video showing Elsa and the family celebrating the twins' birthday by smashing one of their sons' faces into his birthday cake.

But while the birthday prank may have caused some controversy, it's clear that Chris and Elsa are committed to creating a happy and healthy home for their children.

READ: Chris Hemsworth pays tribute to wife and daughter for International Women's Day

Speaking in 2019 to HOLA! USA, Elsa explained how the couple are raising their children: "Above all, I try to teach my children to respect each other — to share — since they are lucky to have it all and are very privileged," she said, continuing: "I want them to value it and be generous with people who don't have that luck."

Is Chris Hemsworth going to retire?

Following the moment when the Limitless docu-series star discovered his genetics made him eight to ten times more likely to develop Alzheimer's, the actor opened up about his intention to step back from acting more in order to spend more time with his family.

While being interviewed in the Disney+ show, Chris said his "biggest fear" was forgetting his family. "The idea that I won't be able to remember the life I've experienced or my wife, my kids, this is probably my biggest fear," he said.

However, Chris did not suggest his desire to spend more time with his family would result in him retiring from acting altogether. Speaking with Vanity Fair in 2022, the Ghostbusters 2016 star said: "It really triggered something in me to want to take some time off…

"When I finish this tour [promoting his Disney+ documentary] this week, I'm going home and I'm going to have a good chunk of time off and just simplify. Be with the kids, be with my wife," he explained.

DISCOVER: Stars who had to retire from acting careers due to illness

But the A-list Aussie actor is still planning on finishing the projects he is contracted for, such as his future outings in the Marvel franchise. Plus, Chris has not suggested he wouldn't be open to new projects should he want to return to acting after spending some time away.

Read more HELLO! US stories here

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