Australian import Chris Hemsworth is known for portraying Marvel comic book hero Thor in the film series of the same name, and for his role in ‘Snow White and the Huntsman.’

Who Is Chris Hemsworth?

Actor Chris Hemsworth was born on August 11, 1983, in Melbourne, Australia. Growing up, he spent much of his time with his older brother, Luke, and younger brother Liam (both also became actors, too). Surfing was his No. 2 passion — which his siblings also shared — but Hemsworth knew that his first love was acting. After attending Heathmont Secondary College, the aspiring star snagged minor roles in television shows Down Under.

Australian heartthrob Chris Hemsworth has made quite a name for himself by swinging his hammer as Marvel comic book character Thor, starring in several films under that title and in related features like The Avengers. The Melbourne native and married dad have also earned leading roles in Snow White and the Huntsman, Rush and In the Heart of the Sea, while showing his comedic chops in reboots of Vacation and Ghostbusters.

Wife and Family

Hemsworth’s talent agent William Ward not only helped his client score primo parts, but it’s also through that connection that he met his future wife — Spanish actress Elsa Pataky, known for her roles in Snakes on a Plane and Fast Five. The two shared the same representation. Three months after going public with their romance, the 27-year-old married his 34-year-old fiancée on Christmas weekend in 2010 in Australia.

It didn’t take long for the actor to make it onto the American silver screen when he appeared in J.J. Abrams‘ 2009 remake of Star Trek. His part as Captain James T. Kirk’s dad may have been small, but it was enough of a performance to lead to a huge Hollywood opportunity.

‘Thor’

Hemsworth auditioned for the lead in the superhero film Thor. He went up against the super stiff competition, including younger brother Liam. But director Kenneth Branagh chose the older Hemsworth to play the Norse god in the 2011 flick opposite Oscar-winners Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins. This box-office success elevated Hemsworth to A-List status.

Hemsworth followed in the footsteps of other famous Aussies like Heath Ledger, Isla Fisher, Simon Baker, and Naomi Watts by becoming a regular on the soap opera Home and Away. In 2007, after three seasons of playing character Kim Hyde, he headed stateside to continue his entertainment career.