Chris Hemsworth said moving his family from Los Angeles back to Australia was the greatest decision of his life during the Feb. 23 episode of SmartLess with Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes.
Motivation to move
He explained the timing felt natural after the birth of his twin sons Sasha and Tristan, who are now 11, and amid life with his daughter India Rose, 13.
Hemsworth said he and his wife Elsa Pataky were set up in L.A. but not enjoying it as filming happened elsewhere and the paparazzi made home life difficult.
He said, “When you come back from work, you want to go on a holiday,” adding that coming home feels like a holiday thanks to their farm, horses, motorbikes, and surf.
Life on the farm
The family now lives on a sprawling property in Australia where the pace of life and outdoor activities provide peace and grounding away from red carpets and flashbulbs.
Hemsworth recalled growing up about 20 minutes outside Melbourne with his brothers Liam and Luke, surrounded by bushland, rainforest, and sparse neighbors.
He said childhood adventures and playing characters outdoors likely sparked his interest in acting.
A broader trend
Hemsworth is not unique in leaving California, as other high-profile figures have gone back to their home states or relocated for more space and privacy.
The piece notes actors such as Matthew McConaughey moving to Texas, Joe Rogan taking his podcast to Austin, Mark Wahlberg relocating to Nevada, and Sylvester Stallone settling in Florida.
Media figures like Ben Shapiro and music stars who split time away from Hollywood also reflect a wider desire for family focus, privacy, lower taxes, and breathing room.
