Mark Ruffalo

Mark Alan Ruffalo, born on November 22, 1967, is an American actor known for his versatile performances across various genres. He began his acting career in the early 1990s but gained recognition in Kenneth Lonergan's play "This Is Our Youth" (1996) and the drama film "You Can Count on Me" (2000).
Throughout his career, Ruffalo has appeared in a diverse range of films, including romantic comedies like "13 Going on 30" (2004) and "Just Like Heaven" (2005), as well as thrillers such as "In the Cut" (2003), "Zodiac" (2007), and "Shutter Island" (2010). He received critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination for his supporting role in the Broadway revival of "Awake and Sing!" in 2006.


Ruffalo gained international recognition for his portrayal of Bruce Banner, also known as the Hulk, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe starting in 2012. His portrayal of the character earned him widespread praise from audiences and critics alike.
In addition to his work in film, Ruffalo has received numerous award nominations for his performances. He earned Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor for his roles in "The Kids Are All Right" (2010), "Foxcatcher" (2014), "Spotlight" (2015), and "Poor Things" (2023). He won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor in a TV Movie for his role in the television drama film "The Normal Heart" (2015) and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his performance in the miniseries "I Know This Much Is True" (2020).
On February 8, 2024, Ruffalo received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring his contributions to the entertainment industry.


Mark Alan Ruffalo, born on November 22, 1967, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, comes from a diverse background. His mother, Marie Rose (née Hébert), worked as a hairdresser and stylist, while his father, Frank Lawrence Ruffalo Jr., was employed as a construction painter. Ruffalo's family heritage includes Italian ancestry from Girifalco, Calabria, on his father's side, and French Canadian and Italian roots on his mother's side.
Growing up, Ruffalo attended various Catholic and progressive schools, facing challenges with undiagnosed dyslexia and ADHD. Despite these struggles, he considered himself a "happy kid." He spent his teenage years in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where his family relocated for his father's work. There, Ruffalo participated in wrestling during junior high and high school.


After graduating from First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach in 1985, Ruffalo and his family moved to San Diego, California, and later settled in Los Angeles. In Los Angeles, he pursued acting and attended classes at the Stella Adler Conservatory. Additionally, Ruffalo co-founded the Orpheus Theatre Company, where he wrote, directed, and acted in several plays. Alongside his artistic endeavors, he worked as a bartender for nearly a decade.

Mark Ruffalo's early career saw him making his screen debut in an episode of CBS Summer Playhouse in 1989, followed by minor film roles. He portrayed 'Vinnie Webber' in an episode of Due South in 1994. During this period, he made his film debut in horror films like Mirror, Mirror II: Raven Dance (1994) and Mirror, Mirror III: The Voyeur (1995).


Ruffalo's breakthrough came with his performance as Warren Straub in the original cast of Kenneth Lonergan's play This Is Our Youth off-Broadway in 1996. He starred alongside Josh Hamilton and Missy Yager. He continued to have minor roles in various films, including The Dentist (1996), Safe Men (1998), and Ang Lee's Civil War western Ride with the Devil (1999).
He reunited with Kenneth Lonergan in 2000 for the film You Can Count on Me, where he portrayed Laura Linney's character's brother. The film received critical acclaim and earned Ruffalo praise for his performance, with comparisons drawn to a young Marlon Brando. He won awards from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and the Montreal World Film Festival for his role. Following this success, he appeared in films like The Last Castle (2001), XX/XY (2002), My Life Without Me (2003), Windtalkers (2003), In the Cut (2003), and We Don't Live Here Anymore (2004).


In the mid-2000s, Mark Ruffalo transitioned into romantic lead roles, starting with View From the Top (2002) alongside Gwyneth Paltrow. He then starred opposite Jennifer Garner in the beloved cult classic 13 Going on 30 (2004). Additionally, he appeared in Michel Gondry's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), portraying a supporting role as Stan, a technician responsible for erasing memories. The same year, he showcased his versatility by playing a narcotics detective in Michael Mann's crime thriller Collateral (2004), alongside Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise.


Continuing his romantic comedy streak, Ruffalo starred in Just Like Heaven (2005) with Reese Witherspoon and Rumor Has It (2005) directed by Rob Reiner, featuring Jennifer Aniston and Kevin Costner. In 2006, he took on a dramatic role in the political drama remake All the King's Men, acting alongside Sean Penn, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Anthony Hopkins. He also made his Broadway debut in Clifford Odets's Awake and Sing! where his performance earned critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play.


In 2007, Ruffalo portrayed SFPD homicide inspector Dave Toschi in David Fincher's crime thriller Zodiac, alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr. His portrayal earned praise for its depth and authenticity. The same year, he played divorced lawyer Dwight Arno in Terry George's Reservation Road.
Ruffalo continued to diversify his roles in 2008, starring as a con man in The Brothers Bloom and appearing in Blindness alongside Julianne Moore. He also featured in Brian Goodman's What Doesn't Kill You with Ethan Hawke and Amanda Peet, showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival. In 2009, he had a brief role in Where the Wild Things Are as Max's mother's boyfriend.

References

1.  "Mark Ruffalo". Inside the Actors Studio. Season 13. Episode 6. March 19, 2007. Bravo!.
2. ^ Rader, Dotson (May 9, 2004). "I Wouldn't Give Any Of It Back". Parade. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved September 20, 2007.
3. ^ Grassi, Giovanna (June 18, 2015). "Mark Ruffalo: intervista con l'attore di Avengers" [Mark Ruffalo: interview with the Avengers actor]. Elle (in Italian). Archived from the original on September 11, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
4. ^ Wloszczyna, Susan (September 15, 2005). "Ruffalo ascends to the next level in 'Heaven'". USA Today. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2013. Ruffalo, an Italian-French-Canadian mix ...
5. ^ "Spotlight – Mark Ruffalo". European Independent Film Festival. May 29, 2015. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
6. ^ Pearlman, Cindy (February 25, 2007). "Working on a killer movie". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on October 16, 2007. Retrieved September 20, 2007.
7. ^ Hiatt, Brian (May 4, 2015). "The Hulk: The Last Angry Man". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media, Ltd. Archived from the original on May 5, 2015. Retrieved November 22, 2022.