Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky’s whirlwind romance began in 2010, when they were introduced by talent agent William Ward. They tied the knot that same year and soon began growing their family with the arrival of daughter India in May 2012, followed by twin sons Tristan and Sasha in March 2014. As the Avengers star later explained, they had no qualms about moving so quickly because they were meant to be. “It just felt right, it made sense,” he gushed.
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Indeed, they have been giving us relationship goal vibes ever since. However, despite having such a seemingly perfect union, they’ve always been honest about the fact that marriage isn’t easy. Even if you have the most wonderful, supportive partner, a relationship is always going to require work.
It’s a truth that Hemsworth and Pataky have spoken candidly about, sharing both the ups and downs of married life and what it really takes to stay together for so long. That honesty, in turn, has made them even more worthy of the relationship goals title.
How Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky’s Marriage Was Tested
Just a few months after Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky got married, Thor hit theaters in May 2011 and thrust the Australian actor into the spotlight. As Pataky would later admit to Vogue Australia in 2018, watching her partner become an overnight sensation had its challenges. Yes, she was incredibly proud of his success, but she also shared that, “it’s difficult when you go from being an unknown person to a very known person and all the changes that come with that.”
Adding to those changes was the birth of their children and, as she explained, hitting so many milestones at once put their union to the test. “We did everything very quickly – I don’t know how we survived as a couple,” she admitted, recalling how, “we were married and then a year after we had kids. It puts a lot of pressure on a marriage.”
Speaking about those early years with GQ Australia, Hemsworth agreed that they were difficult. “My wife and I fell in love, had kids, didn’t really see each other for a few years, then fell back in love,” he said.
How did they manage that? By putting in the work, and not allowing their connection to falter. “We came out good because there is a lot of love between us,” Pataky told Vogue Australia.
Elsa Pataky Was Willing to Sacrifice for Love
All relationships require compromise, which is sometimes easier said than done. While you should not give up on your dreams, you should also support your partner’s pursuit of theirs — all without resentment.
It’s a tall order, but it’s something Pataky was willing to do. She hit pause on her career and focused on raising the kids, allowing her husband to chase his own Hollywood dreams. She put her family’s needs before her own, even if just for a short while, and it proved to be a major key to success.
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However, it’s important to note that she wasn’t forced to give up acting. As Pataky explained, she had already “worked a lot” when Hemsworth (who is seven years her junior) was just starting out and so, she was open to a change of pace. “I was happy to take a break and just be a mom,” she reassured.
Equally important was the fact that Hemsworth never took it for granted. Speaking with GQ Australia, he fully acknowledged his wife’s sacrifice and was grateful for it. “In terms of work, she’s certainly given up more than I have,” he proclaimed.
Elsa Pataky Explains Why Marriage Isn’t Easy
Elsa Pataky doesn’t believe in a perfect marriage and she certainly doesn't think that hers deserves all the praise it's gotten. “It’s funny that people think of us as a perfect couple,” the Spanish actor told body+soul in 2020, underscoring that in “no way” is her union perfect. Rather, “it’s been ups and downs, and we still keep working at the relationship. I think a relationship is constant work. It’s not easy,” she explained.
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It’s a sentiment she truly believes and she’s shared it on numerous occasions. “It’s constant work to be in a successful marriage and stay together forever,” she told Vogue Australia while insisting to Hello!that, “no relationship is always a bed of roses and all marriages are built bit by bit, out of good moments, wonderful moments, and also more difficult ones.”
Why Is Chris Hemsworth a ‘Bossy’ Husband?
Now that Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky’s kids have grown up a bit, she’s getting back into the acting game. And as she told WHO, her hubby is all for it. “He encouraged me to go back to work again [...] and to not feel guilty about it,” she said. He’s so supportive in fact that “he works with me on my lines, my accent, and we have great conversations about the characters I am playing.”
He may have become a little too supportive, though, when the pair teamed up for 2022’s Interceptor. Pataky plays an army captain in the Netflix movie, which was executive produced by Hemsworth. The role required her to get in serious physical shape and, as she told Entertainment Tonight, she worked out for over an hour a day for six months to prepare for the part.
Along the way, Hemsworth, who knows a thing or two about getting ripped for a role, offered all kinds of first-hand advice and “it was appreciated, even if it was a bit much at times.” She teased, “He was so bossy!”
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Eventually, they struck the right balance in their professional partnership, just like they have in their private one. The key is to approach both the ups and downs with love and support. “We inspire each other and he always makes me feel more confident and beautiful when I’m insecure,” Pataky told WHO. She also stressed the importance of being present for your partner. “We respect each other and have time for each other, even [after] having kids,” she said.
The smaller things are important, too. According to Pataky, the power of laughter is not to be underestimated. “He makes me laugh every day,” she gushed, adding, “Humor counts for a lot. More than anything, I enjoy laughing with him.”
As Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky show us, there will always be both joy and hardship in a union and it’s how you handle the latter that’s really telling. If you have a strong bond that’s built on a strong foundation, like they do, you’ll be able to withstand pretty much anything.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.