The Marvel star met Elsa in 2010
© Getty Images
Hannah Watkin
Content Writer
Updated: March 7, 2024
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. Chris is due to present an award at this weekend's Oscars ceremony, so ahead of his next starring role, uncover all you need to know about his relationship with Elsa...
How did Chris and Elsa meet?
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. 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.
© Elsa Pataky on Instagram
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.
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When did the couple get married?
The Hollywood couple married on December 26, 2010 in a sudden ceremony while enjoying a family vacation on the island of Sumba in Indonesia.
© Getty Images
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...
"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 managed to find the right balance 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."
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".
© Getty Images
"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.
Speaking about their marriage in an interview with HOLA!, Elsa shared: "Marriages require a lot of time and work: they’re built little by little from good moments, incredible moments and other, more difficult ones. I think that’s beautiful. I’ve learnt a lot – to be less stubborn, to calm down and to get to know my husband."
How many kids do the couple have?
Chris and Elsa have three children: one daughter, India Rose, who is 11 years old, and two twin boys, Tristan and Sasha, both aged ten.
The couple often show glimpses of their family life on social media. In March 2023, they faced some criticism 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.
© Chris Hemsworth on Instagram
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."
Their kids have picked up one major Australian pasttime: surfing. "The first thing the kids do when they get up is check to see if there are any waves – if there are, they grab their boards and go surfing with their dad before school," she joked.
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