An overview of the childhood and early education of Mark Ruffalo, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
Mark Ruffalo is an American actor who started his career in the late 1980s. He initially gained recognition for his performances in "This Is Our Youth" and "You Can Count on Me." He then starred in popular romantic comedies like "13 Going on 30" and "Just Like Heaven," as well as thrillers such as "Zodiac" and "Shutter Island." He received a Tony Award nomination for his role in "Awake and Sing!" However, Ruffalo achieved global fame for his portrayal of Bruce Banner/The Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, beginning in 2012.
November 22, 1967: Mark Ruffalo's Birth
On November 22, 1967, Mark Alan Ruffalo was born, marking the beginning of his life.
1986: High School Graduation
In 1986, Mark Ruffalo graduated from First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach, where he was active in the Patriot Playhouse.
2000: Marriage to Sunrise Coigney
In 2000, Mark Ruffalo married Sunrise Coigney.
2007: Expressed views in line with 9/11 truth movement
In 2007, Mark Ruffalo expressed views in line with the 9/11 truth movement, questioning the collapse of the World Trade Center buildings.
December 1, 2008: Brother found with gunshot wound
On December 1, 2008, Mark Ruffalo's younger brother, Scott, was found with a gunshot wound in Beverly Hills; he died the following week, and the case remains unsolved.
2008: Expressed concern over gas companies
In 2008, Mark Ruffalo expressed concern about gas companies eyeing his family's land and became a prominent anti-fracking activist.
2008: Death of Brother, Scott
In 2008, Mark Ruffalo's brother, Scott, passed away.
2009: Discussed hydraulic fracturing and the FRAC Act
In 2009, Mark Ruffalo discussed hydraulic fracturing and the FRAC Act.
October 4, 2010: Discussed fracking on The Rachel Maddow Show
On October 4, 2010, Mark Ruffalo appeared on "The Rachel Maddow Show" to discuss hydraulic fracturing and the FRAC Act of 2009.
December 2010: Claimed placement on terror advisory list
In December 2010, Mark Ruffalo claimed he was placed on a terror advisory list after organizing screenings of a documentary about natural-gas drilling; the Pennsylvania Governor's Office of Homeland Security denied the claim.
2015: Supported "Education Is Not a Crime" campaign
In 2015, Mark Ruffalo supported the "Education Is Not a Crime" campaign to draw attention to the Iranian government's denial of university education to young Baha'is.
February 2016: Tweeted article on microcephaly outbreak
In February 2016, Mark Ruffalo tweeted a Tech Times article attributing a microcephaly outbreak in Brazil to a larvicide chemical, a claim described as dubious by The New York Times.
2016: Supported Bernie Sanders
In 2016, Mark Ruffalo supported Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders.
June 2017: Petitioned NBC to stop hiring conservative commentators
In June 2017, Mark Ruffalo posted a petition on Twitter urging NBC to stop hiring white conservative commentators.
October 2017: Supported Standing Rock Indian Reservation
In October 2017, Mark Ruffalo actively supported the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in their opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline project.
2017: Endorsed Jeremy Corbyn in UK election
In 2017, Mark Ruffalo endorsed Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn in the UK general election.
October 2019: Called for Justice for George W. Bush
In October 2019, Mark Ruffalo tweeted that George W. Bush should be brought to justice for the crimes of the Iraq War.
2019: Signed letter supporting Jeremy Corbyn
In 2019, Mark Ruffalo signed a letter supporting Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn for the UK general election.
June 2020: Appeared in webinar for Irish Green Party
In June 2020, Mark Ruffalo appeared in a webinar conference for the Irish Green Party to encourage members to accept a negotiated program for government.
October 2020: Criticized Israel's actions against Palestinians
In October 2020, Mark Ruffalo criticized Israel's "asymmetrical warfare" against the Palestinians and addressed accusations of antisemitism.
2020: Endorsed Bernie Sanders for President
In 2020, Mark Ruffalo endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders for president on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert."
2020: Praised closure of Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant
In 2020, Mark Ruffalo praised the closure of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant and called for the closure of additional nuclear power plants.
May 2021: Apologized for comments on Israel
In May 2021, Mark Ruffalo tweeted an apology for suggesting Israel was committing genocide, stating it was inaccurate and disrespectful.
November 2021: Criticized Rittenhouse ruling
In November 2021, Mark Ruffalo criticized the not-guilty ruling in the case of Kyle Rittenhouse.
April 2022: Urged voters to check voter ID requirements
In April 2022, Mark Ruffalo urged voters to check voter ID requirements in their states and cited VoteRiders as a source of assistance.
October 2023: Signed Artists4Ceasefire letter
In October 2023, Mark Ruffalo signed an open letter of Artists4Ceasefire during the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.
November 2023: Criticized Benjamin Netanyahu on Gaza civilian deaths
In November 2023, Mark Ruffalo criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for describing civilian deaths during Israeli attacks on Gaza as "collateral damage".
2023: Sought to block the sale of West Park Presbyterian Church
In 2023, Mark Ruffalo sought to block the sale of the West Park Presbyterian Church to prevent its demolition and construction of housing, advocating for its preservation and raising funds.
2023: Death of Sister, Tanya Marie
In 2023, Mark Ruffalo's sister, Tanya Marie, passed away.
February 8, 2024: Received star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
On February 8, 2024, Mark Ruffalo received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, accompanied by his wife and two children.
September 2024: Signed SAG-AFTRA letter calling for ceasefire
In September 2024, Mark Ruffalo, along with other celebrities, signed an open letter from SAG-AFTRA calling for a ceasefire and condemning the industry's McCarthyist repression of members who acknowledge Palestinian suffering.
2024: Endorsed the Green Party of British Columbia
In 2024, Mark Ruffalo endorsed the Green Party of British Columbia in the provincial elections.