Chris Hemsworth says he hasn’t seen his ill grandfather ‘for years’

The Marvel superhero actor has revealed that he hasn't seen his grandfather for years, despite his family member being seriously ill.

Thor star Chris Hemsworth has revealed that he hasn’t seen his grandfather, who has Alzheimer’s, “for years” but he has heard from other family members who have told him he is “joyful”.

The Australian actor was speaking to magazine Vanity Fairto coincide with the release of his National Geographic documentary Limitless.

The program looks at how the human body can achieve its full potential with Hemsworth undergoing “a series of epic trials and extraordinary challenges,” to test his physique and intellect, according to the broadcaster.

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Chris Hemsworth attends the premiere of Limitless With Chris Hemsworth at Jazz at Lincoln Center on November 15, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

As part of the show it was discovered Hemsworth possessed the gene APOE4 which means he is eight to ten times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than someone without it. Only around two per cent of people have the gene.

Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia, a degenerative brain condition, which eventually affects memories and other mental functions before leading to death.

The Marvel superhero told Vanity Fair that his grandfather lived with Alzheimer’s.

“I haven’t seen him in a few years, but my other family members have and there’s some days where he’s quite joyful and gives you a big hug,” Hemsworth said.

“My mum was saying he’s just a really friendly guy.

“I’m not sure he actually remembers much anymore and he slips in and out of Dutch, which is his original language.

Elsa Pataky, Chris Hemsworth and their children Sasha and Tristan attend the Sydney premiere of Thor: Love And Thunder at Hoyts Entertainment Quarter on June 27, 2022. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

“So he’ll be talking Dutch and English and then a mash-up and then maybe some other new words as well.”

Hemsworth is married to actor Elsa Pataky, and they are parents to three children, India, 10, and eight-year-old twins Sasha and Tristan.

“The idea that I won’t be able to remember the life I experienced, or my wife, my kids, is probably my biggest fear,” the Thor star candidly shared in one episode of Limitless.