Star on the rise: Chris Hemsworth
July 23rd 2009 07:49
Remember this name, because Australian hottie Chris Hemsworth is going to be huge! After giving a brief but stunning performance as George Kirk in this year's Star Trek movie, the young actor has scored not one, but two major roles in upcoming Hollywood blockbusters: the title role in the Kenneth Branagh-directed Marvel Comics adaptation of Thor, and the lead role in the Tom Cruise co-produced Red Dawn remake. Not bad for someone who moved to Hollywood less than two years ago...
Like many Aussie actors, including the late Heath Ledger, Hemsworth began his acting career on local drama Home and Away. He scored himself many adoring female fans as the handsome, brooding Kim Hyde, and won a Logie award for Most Popular New Talent. This was where he met rising starlet Isabel Lucas, and the two quickly became an item, dating for more than two years.
After they split, Lucas moved to Hollywood, with Hemsworth doing the same not long after. His natural acting ability, combined with his obvious good looks, scored him movie roles almost immediately, though he's quick to play his success down: "I don't know what to say. I got lucky, I guess - right place, right time."
It would seem that luck has little to do with it. Hemsworth comes from a family of actors - it was his brothers Luke and Liam who first encouraged him to give acting a go, and now they often find themselves competing for roles! It's all friendly sibling rivalry, however: says Chris, "The three of us have always been really close, and it’s not a spiteful, competitive kind of thing. We’re always kind of asking each other, 'How did we get in this position?' To be involved in any of this stuff is kind of a trip for us."
Hemsworth, who turns 26 next month, says he is looking forward to working on Thor, where he will be starring opposite the beautiful Natalie Portman. He also just wrapped filming on Cabin in the Woods, a horror movie from Buffy creator Joss Whedon, and is set to begin production on Red Dawn in a few months' time. I, for one, am expecting great things from our newest Aussie export, and it seems Hollywood's biggest movie producers are thinking the same.
Like many Aussie actors, including the late Heath Ledger, Hemsworth began his acting career on local drama Home and Away. He scored himself many adoring female fans as the handsome, brooding Kim Hyde, and won a Logie award for Most Popular New Talent. This was where he met rising starlet Isabel Lucas, and the two quickly became an item, dating for more than two years.
With ex-girlfriend Isabel Lucas
After they split, Lucas moved to Hollywood, with Hemsworth doing the same not long after. His natural acting ability, combined with his obvious good looks, scored him movie roles almost immediately, though he's quick to play his success down: "I don't know what to say. I got lucky, I guess - right place, right time."
Easy on the eye...
It would seem that luck has little to do with it. Hemsworth comes from a family of actors - it was his brothers Luke and Liam who first encouraged him to give acting a go, and now they often find themselves competing for roles! It's all friendly sibling rivalry, however: says Chris, "The three of us have always been really close, and it’s not a spiteful, competitive kind of thing. We’re always kind of asking each other, 'How did we get in this position?' To be involved in any of this stuff is kind of a trip for us."
A talented brood: Luke, Chris and Liam Hemsworth
Hemsworth, who turns 26 next month, says he is looking forward to working on Thor, where he will be starring opposite the beautiful Natalie Portman. He also just wrapped filming on Cabin in the Woods, a horror movie from Buffy creator Joss Whedon, and is set to begin production on Red Dawn in a few months' time. I, for one, am expecting great things from our newest Aussie export, and it seems Hollywood's biggest movie producers are thinking the same.
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Comment by David Jobling
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All of these techniques are designed to sell magazines to young and not so young women - hence he is objectified undressing - looking far more perfect than he ever was/is/or will be.
Don't get me wrong - I love the guy - but it's not him creating the illusion you see before you - and it's not him promoting it some five or six years later.
And you are so right - luck has nothing to do with it really - it's very difficult work to do - any tv soap - because it involves so much of the trite bull that everyone wants to avoid, but it's what they have to do if they want to make big steps - they have to pimp and preen and sell themselves and make as much out of any natural good looks or talent they have and exploit it to the max.
Comment by Journeywoman
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"they have to pimp and preen and sell themselves and make as much out of any natural good looks or talent they have and exploit it to the max."
Absolutely 100% correct. The vast majority of actors, talented or not, have to look good as well if they want to be leading ladies or men (Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill are two notable exceptions). As brilliant an actress as, say, Angelina Jolie is, she would never have got her foot in the door if she wasn't great to look at as well.
Haha you worked on H&A - you must have lived near my hometown (Avalon Beach). That show may be vapid but it's definitely a great jumping off point for Aussie actors!
Comment by David Jobling
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Anyway enough from me - keep up the good work.
Comment by Anonymous
You said:
Honey, Angelina would have definitely got her foot in the door! Her father is Jon Voight! Haven't you heard? Nepotism runs deep in Tinseltown.
And it's not like Hollywood is only filled with actress who are great to look at. There was a time when Whoopi Goldberg was the highest paid actress in Hollywood, only to be replaced by Julia Roberts when she returned from her hiatus after the success of Pretty Woman.
Also, this you said:
What you said is not qualified. Where do they have to look their best? Do you mean photograph well? Do they have to look their best on film? And yet there are still talented leading actors who are gorgeous who have yet to make it to leading male status.
Honey, at the end of the day, it's not looking your best at all. Take it from someone who's worked at a talent agency in LA.
Yes, Hollywood loves beautiful people but it's more about charisma than anything and a beautiful face only ups the factor. Matt Mcconaughey is gorgeous but he's dull as dirt and the most unappealing leading man there is. And still what's more weird is that he's more charismatic in person than on screen. He's at his best when he's not playing the romantic lead but playing characters.
Comment by Journeywoman
Great Hair Style Tips
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Comment by Journeywoman
Great Hair Style Tips
The Mama Sutra
I Dream of Hollywood
Fashion Peach
Changing of the Aussie guard in Hollywood
...Kenneth Branagh describes Hemsworth like this:
"He fills everything I think Thor needs to have - incredible strength, physical dexterity, he is almost dancer-like doing moves with the hammer. Also, he is an intelligent, listening, present actor."
Can't wait to see this movie!!!