Hollywood superstar Chris Hemsworth has offered a rare, candid glimpse into his long-term marriage with actress Elsa Pataky, admitting they have navigated some "complicated times." The couple, who tied the knot in 2010, credits their adventurous spirit and a conscious effort to prioritize fun for the success of their 14-year union.
The Challenge of Balancing Work, Kids, and 'Us'
Speaking on the popular 'On Purpose' podcast hosted by Jay Shetty, the 'Thor' actor revealed that the most difficult periods arise when life becomes purely transactional. Hemsworth pinpointed the times when it's "all work, all kids" as the most challenging, leading to the core connection in their relationship feeling "non-existent." He described a scenario many parents will recognize: managing a hectic household schedule where both partners are pulled in different directions by their careers, followed by the beautiful chaos of parenting.
"Elsa will be off at work, and I'll be off at work and then it's chaos with kid time," Hemsworth explained. The crucial solution, according to him, is intentionally carving out space for just the two of them. Removing themselves from the all-consuming demands of work and family to simply "have time for the two of us" has been essential.
Making It Work: No Excuses in a Supportive Setup
The actor, who shares three children with Pataky—daughter India, 13, and 11-year-old twins Sasha and Tristan—was frank about marital life being hard for anyone. However, he emphasized his determination to "make it work." Hemsworth acknowledged that while their lifestyle presents unique challenges, it also offers unique opportunities.
"We have no excuse as far as how much time we can make for each other due to the support we can get due to our situation," he stated, referring to the resources that allow them to create quality time. This conscious choice to prioritize their partnership, despite the chaos, is the cornerstone of their enduring romance.
Fatherhood: A Life-Changing Perspective
In related reflections, Hemsworth also touched upon how fatherhood has profoundly reshaped his worldview and career choices. In a past interview with E! News back in 2015, the actor confessed that becoming a parent made him "less selfish" as his focus shifted entirely away from himself.
"It's nice to not spend all your time thinking about your own problems," he had said, calling parenthood "the best" experience. This shift also made him more selective about his professional projects. Hemsworth stated he became "more choosy" with work, ensuring any commitment was "worthwhile to take me away from them." This blend of dedicated parenting and a committed marriage showcases the actor's approach to balancing his high-profile career with a grounded family life.