Chris Hemsworth, the 41-year-old Australian actor known for his roles in Furiosa and the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, recently shared a cringe-worthy moment from the 2024 Oscars that still lingers in his mind. While appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Wednesday, Hemsworth opened up about his decision to snap a selfie with pop sensation Billie Eilish—a choice he immediately regretted. The Marvel star’s relatable anecdote, paired with insights into his family life in Byron Bay, has fans buzzing online. Here’s the full scoop.
The Oscars Selfie That Haunts Him
Hemsworth recounted the moment with humor and humility. While posing for photos with his wife, Elsa Pataky, at the Oscars, he spotted 23-year-old Billie Eilish and couldn’t resist asking for a picture. “I took a photo with Billie Eilish at the Oscars, and I remember thinking, ‘Oh, don’t do this, don’t do this,’” he told Colbert. Despite his inner voice, Hemsworth went ahead, reasoning, “No, my kids will love this.” However, the second he clicked the shutter, regret hit hard. “I thought, ‘From a colleague, I’ve just turned into a fanboy,’” he admitted, laughing at his own expense.
The Thor star jokingly added, “We’ll never be friends, never be besties,” reflecting on how the encounter shifted his cool, professional demeanor into full-on admirer mode. When Colbert, 60, probed whether Hemsworth and Eilish had ever collaborated, the actor clarified they hadn’t but were “industry colleagues with a close connection”—a tongue-in-cheek remark that sent Colbert into stitches. “Sure, me and Anthony Hopkins, colleagues!” the host quipped, highlighting the absurdity of Hemsworth’s self-deprecation.
A Family Man at Heart
The selfie story wasn’t just a celebrity faux pas—it revealed Hemsworth’s softer side as a dad. He shares three children with Pataky, 48: daughter India Rose, 12, and 10-year-old twins Sasha and Tristan. The family swapped the Hollywood hustle of Los Angeles for the laid-back shores of Byron Bay, Australia, years ago, a decision Hemsworth credits for keeping him grounded. While the selfie was for his kids, it’s clear their move Down Under shapes his life far more.
In a recent chat with News Corp, Pataky explained why they bypassed her native Spain and LA for Byron Bay. “Living in Madrid is complicated when you’ve lived in the countryside, surrounded by nature,” she said. Los Angeles, meanwhile, felt suffocating. “When you’re in LA, work strangles you. Every conversation, even the billboards, revolves around the film industry,” she noted. “It can make you lose perspective.” Byron Bay, by contrast, offers an escape from Hollywood’s relentless chatter.
Hemsworth echoed this in a 2020 Modern Luxury interview. “I love my job as an actor, but when you’re constantly surrounded by it, it feels stifling,” he said. “It’s great to connect with a community that doesn’t live and breathe that world.” For him, Byron Bay provides a simpler, kid-friendly lifestyle. “LA is tough with kids—no one walks. It’s all car seats and loading up. Here, we step out and hit the beach. Life’s easier.”
The Byron Bay Mansion Boom
The couple’s move paid off in more ways than one. Their sprawling Byron Bay estate, completed in 2021, has skyrocketed in value. Initially estimated at $20 million, the LA-style complex in Broken Head near Byron Bay jumped to $30 million shortly after. Recent valuations now peg it at a jaw-dropping $50 million. Featuring six bedrooms, a spa, a game room, a media room, and expansive outdoor living spaces, it’s a testament to their thriving life away from Tinseltown.
Why This Matters
Hemsworth’s Oscars anecdote isn’t just a funny blip—it’s a peek into a superstar who’s refreshingly human. His playful regret over fangirling Billie Eilish resonates with anyone who’s stumbled into an awkward moment, while his focus on family and balance offers a grounded counterpoint to his blockbuster career. With Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon, Hemsworth remains a Hollywood titan, but it’s his Byron Bay life—and those rare, relatable missteps—that keep fans hooked.
From selfie regrets to seaside serenity, Chris Hemsworth proves he’s more than just a Marvel hero—he’s a dad, a husband, and a guy who occasionally second-guesses his phone camera. Catch his latest tales on The Late Show reruns, and stay tuned for his next big-screen adventure!