Mark Ruffalo is an American actor known for his versatile roles in both film and theater. He rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s with acclaimed performances in independent films like "You Can Count on Me" and "This Is Our Youth." Ruffalo's career spans romantic comedies, thrillers, and dramatic roles. He received a Tony Award nomination for his work on Broadway. Since 2012, he has gained global recognition for portraying Bruce Banner / Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
1946: Release of the Novel "All the King's Men"
The novel "All the King's Men" which the movie Ruffalo starred in is based on, was originally published in 1946.
November 22, 1967: Birth of Mark Ruffalo
Mark Alan Ruffalo was born on November 22, 1967, in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
1969: The Zodiac Killer's Reign of Terror Begins
The Zodiac Killer, the subject of the film "Zodiac" that Mark Ruffalo starred in, began his crimes in 1969.
1986: High School Graduation
Mark Ruffalo graduated from First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach in 1986.
1989: Screen Debut
Mark Ruffalo made his screen debut in an episode of "CBS Summer Playhouse" in 1989.
1994: First Television Role and Film Debut
Mark Ruffalo appeared in an episode of "Due South" and made his film debut in "Mirror, Mirror II: Raven Dance" in 1994.
1995: Continuing Film Roles
Mark Ruffalo appeared in "Mirror, Mirror III: The Voyeur" in 1995.
1996: First Gaining Recognition
Mark Ruffalo first gained recognition for his work in Kenneth Lonergan's play "This Is Our Youth" in 1996.
1996: Starring in "This Is Our Youth" Off-Broadway
Mark Ruffalo starred as Warren Straub in the original cast of Kenneth Lonergan's play "This Is Our Youth" Off-Broadway in 1996.
1998: Role in "Safe Men"
Mark Ruffalo had a role in the crime comedy "Safe Men" in 1998.
1999: Role in "Ride with the Devil"
Mark Ruffalo acted in Ang Lee's western film "Ride with the Devil" in 1999.
2000: Married Sunrise Coigney
Mark Ruffalo married Sunrise Coigney in 2000.
2000: Reuniting with Kenneth Lonergan
Mark Ruffalo reunited with director Kenneth Lonergan for "You Can Count on Me" in 2000.
2000: Breakthrough Role in "You Can Count on Me"
Mark Ruffalo starred in the drama film "You Can Count on Me" in 2000, which earned him critical acclaim and awards.
2001: Role in "The Last Castle"
Mark Ruffalo acted in "The Last Castle" alongside Robert Redford in 2001.
2002: Supporting Role in "XX/XY"
Mark Ruffalo had a supporting role in the film "XX/XY" in 2002.
2003: Working with Acclaimed Directors
In 2003, Mark Ruffalo worked with directors Isabel Coixet and John Woo in "My Life Without Me" and "Windtalkers" respectively.
2003: Thriller Roles and Supporting Roles
Mark Ruffalo starred in the thrillers "In the Cut" and took supporting roles in films like "Windtalkers" and "My Life Without Me" in 2003.
2003: Starring in "View From the Top"
Mark Ruffalo starred opposite Gwyneth Paltrow in the romantic comedy "View From the Top" in 2003.
2004: Roles in "In the Cut" and "We Don't Live Here Anymore"
Mark Ruffalo starred in Jane Campion's "In the Cut" and "We Don't Live Here Anymore" in 2004.
2004: Roles in "13 Going on 30," "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," and "Collateral"
Mark Ruffalo starred in "13 Going on 30," "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," and "Collateral" in 2004.
2004: Starring in Romantic Comedies
In 2004, Mark Ruffalo starred in romantic comedies like "13 Going on 30" and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind."
2005: Starring in "Just Like Heaven" and "Rumor Has It"
Mark Ruffalo starred in "Just Like Heaven" with Reese Witherspoon and "Rumor Has It" with Jennifer Aniston in 2005.
2005: Continuing Success in Romantic Comedies
Mark Ruffalo starred in the romantic comedies "Just Like Heaven" and "Rumor Has It" in 2005.
2006: Broadway Debut and Tony Award Nomination
Mark Ruffalo made his Broadway debut in "Awake and Sing!" in 2006, earning a Tony Award nomination.
2006: Starring in "All the King's Men" and "Awake and Sing!"
Mark Ruffalo starred in the political drama "All the King's Men" and made his Broadway debut in "Awake and Sing!" in 2006.
March 2007: Starring in "Zodiac"
In March 2007, Mark Ruffalo starred as Inspector Dave Toschi in David Fincher's "Zodiac."
2007: Starring in "Zodiac"
In 2007, Mark Ruffalo played Inspector Dave Toschi in the critically acclaimed thriller "Zodiac."
December 1, 2008: Death of Brother Scott Ruffalo
On December 1, 2008, Mark Ruffalo's younger brother, Scott, was found with a gunshot wound to the head and later died. The case remains unsolved.
2008: Starring in "The Brothers Bloom," "Blindness," and "What Doesn't Kill You"
Mark Ruffalo starred in "The Brothers Bloom," "Blindness," and "What Doesn't Kill You" in 2008.
2008: Passing of Scott Ruffalo
Mark Ruffalo's brother, Scott, passed away in 2008.
2008: Ruffalo Raises Concerns About Gas Companies
In 2008, Mark Ruffalo publicly expressed his concerns over gas companies showing interest in his family's land in Callicoon, New York. This event marked the beginning of his active involvement in anti-fracking advocacy.
2009: Ruffalo Investigates Fracking and Becomes a Prominent Activist
Following his concerns about gas companies and their potential impact on his family's land, Mark Ruffalo initiated his own investigation into hydraulic fracturing. His research and advocacy led him to become a leading figure in the anti-fracking movement, raising awareness about the environmental and health implications of this practice.
2009: Role in "Where the Wild Things Are"
Mark Ruffalo had a brief role in the film "Where the Wild Things Are" in 2009.
March 2010: Signed with Creative Artists Agency
In March 2010, Mark Ruffalo signed with the Creative Artists Agency (CAA).
June 2010: Signed with United Talent Agency
In June 2010, Mark Ruffalo signed with the United Talent Agency (UTA).
October 4, 2010: Ruffalo Discusses Fracking on "The Rachel Maddow Show"
On October 4, 2010, Mark Ruffalo appeared on "The Rachel Maddow Show" to address the issue of hydraulic fracturing and its associated risks, particularly focusing on the FRAC Act of 2009.
December 2010: Ruffalo Claims Placement on Terror Advisory List
In December 2010, Mark Ruffalo, in an interview with GQ magazine, claimed that he was placed on a terror advisory list after he organized screenings of the documentary "Gasland" in Pennsylvania. The documentary focused on the environmental and social impacts of natural gas drilling. However, the Pennsylvania Governor's Office of Homeland Security refuted his claim.
2010: Starred in "Shutter Island" and "The Kids Are All Right"
In 2010, Mark Ruffalo starred in Martin Scorsese's thriller "Shutter Island" and Lisa Cholodenko's "The Kids Are All Right", the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
2010: Starring in "Shutter Island"
Mark Ruffalo starred in Martin Scorsese's thriller "Shutter Island" in 2010.
2010: Academy Award Nomination for "The Kids Are All Right"
Mark Ruffalo was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "The Kids Are All Right" in 2010.
2012: Becoming the Hulk
Mark Ruffalo started playing Bruce Banner / Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2012.
2012: First Appearance as Hulk in "The Avengers"
Mark Ruffalo first appeared as Dr. Bruce Banner / Hulk in "The Avengers" (2012), replacing Edward Norton.
2013: Starred in "Begin Again"
In 2013, Mark Ruffalo starred in the romantic comedy "Begin Again" with Keira Knightley.
2013: Appeared in "Iron Man 3"
Mark Ruffalo reprised his role as Hulk in "Iron Man 3" (2013).
2014: Starred in "Foxcatcher"
Mark Ruffalo received his second Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of wrestler Dave Schultz in "Foxcatcher" (2014).
2014: Academy Award Nomination for "Foxcatcher"
In 2014, Mark Ruffalo received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Foxcatcher."
2015: Ruffalo Supports "Education Is Not a Crime" Campaign
In 2015, Mark Ruffalo joined the "Education Is Not a Crime" campaign, standing alongside fellow artists and intellectuals such as Nazanin Boniadi, Abbas Milani, Mohsen Makhmalbaf, Azar Nafisi, Omid Djalili, Eva LaRue, Mohammad Maleki (former president of the University of Tehran), and Nobel Peace laureates including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Shirin Ebadi, Tawakkol Karman, Jody Williams, and Mairead Maguire. The campaign aimed to shed light on the Iranian government's systematic denial of higher education opportunities to Baha'i youth.
2015: Starred in "Spotlight"
In 2015, Mark Ruffalo portrayed journalist Michael Rezendes in "Spotlight", earning his third Academy Award nomination and a BAFTA nomination.
2015: Starred in "Infinitely Polar Bear"
In 2015, Mark Ruffalo starred as a father with bipolar disorder in "Infinitely Polar Bear", earning a Golden Globe nomination.
2015: Appeared in "Avengers: Age of Ultron"
Mark Ruffalo appeared as Hulk again in "Avengers: Age of Ultron" (2015).
2015: Academy Award Nomination for "Spotlight" and SAG Award Win
Mark Ruffalo earned an Academy Award nomination for "Spotlight" and won a Screen Actors Guild Award for "The Normal Heart" in 2015.
February 2016: Ruffalo Shares Controversial Article on Microcephaly Outbreak
In February 2016, Mark Ruffalo shared a Tech Times article on Twitter that presented a controversial claim by a group of Argentinian doctors. The article attributed the microcephaly outbreak in Brazil to the use of a larvicide in drinking water reservoirs to combat dengue fever, rather than the Zika virus. However, The New York Times deemed this claim "dubious," noting that the larvicide does not impact the central nervous system and has been approved by the World Health Organization.
March 2016: Ruffalo Narrates and Produces "Dear President Obama: The Clean Energy Revolution Is Now"
In March 2016, Mark Ruffalo took on the roles of narrator and producer for the documentary "Dear President Obama: The Clean Energy Revolution Is Now," directed by Jon Bowermaster. The film provided a critical examination of President Barack Obama's environmental policies and legacy, particularly focusing on the significant expansion of oil and natural gas drilling during his presidency.
2016: Appeared in "Now You See Me 2"
Mark Ruffalo portrayed Agent Dylan Rhoades in "Now You See Me 2" (2016).
2016: Ruffalo Supports Bernie Sanders in 2016 Election
During the 2016 US Presidential Election, Mark Ruffalo expressed his support for the Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders.
June 2017: Ruffalo Criticizes NBC's Hiring Practices
In June 2017, Mark Ruffalo used Twitter to publicly urge NBC to cease hiring white conservative commentators, expressing his disapproval of the network's perceived political bias in its commentary team.
October 2017: Ruffalo Supports Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's Pipeline Protest
In October 2017, Mark Ruffalo actively demonstrated his support for the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in their protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline project. He joined the movement opposing the pipeline's construction, citing environmental concerns and the potential impact on the tribe's water resources.
2017: Executive Produced "Anything" and Starred in Broadway Revival of "The Price"
In 2017, Mark Ruffalo executive produced the romantic drama "Anything" and returned to Broadway in "The Price" opposite Danny DeVito and Tony Shalhoub.
2017: Ruffalo Endorses Jeremy Corbyn for 2017 UK General Election
In 2017, Mark Ruffalo publicly endorsed Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour Party, for the UK general election. He expressed his belief that Corbyn offered a much-needed alternative to the corporate status quo, which he viewed as ultimately detrimental to the people.
2017: Appeared in "Thor: Ragnarok"
Mark Ruffalo reprised his role as Bruce Banner in "Thor Ragnarok" (2017).
2018: Appeared in "Avengers: Infinity War"
Mark Ruffalo reprised his role as Bruce Banner in "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018).
October 2019: Ruffalo Calls for Accountability for George W. Bush Over Iraq War
In October 2019, Mark Ruffalo expressed his strong opinion on Twitter, asserting that until former President George W. Bush is held accountable for what he perceived as crimes committed during the Iraq War, including alleged American-led torture, Iraqi casualties and displacement, and the lasting effects on American soldiers, genuine discussions about kindness and reconciliation cannot commence.
2019: Starred in "Dark Waters", "Captain Marvel" and "Avengers: Endgame"
In 2019, Mark Ruffalo starred in "Dark Waters" as Robert Bilott and reprised his role as Bruce Banner in "Captain Marvel" and "Avengers: Endgame".
2019: Ruffalo Endorses Jeremy Corbyn for 2019 UK General Election
Mark Ruffalo signed a letter of support for Jeremy Corbyn in the 2019 UK general election, hailing him as a symbol of hope against rising far-right nationalism, xenophobia, and racism in many democracies.
2019: Ruffalo Stars in and Co-Produces "Dark Waters"
In 2019, Mark Ruffalo starred in and co-produced the film "Dark Waters." This film reflected his ongoing environmental advocacy by portraying the true story of a corporate lawyer's relentless pursuit of justice in exposing the harmful pollution caused by the chemical giant DuPont.
June 2020: Ruffalo Encourages Irish Green Party to Accept Government Program
In June 2020, Mark Ruffalo participated in a webinar conference hosted by the Irish Green Party. During this online event, he advocated for the party members to accept the recently negotiated government program, which had been agreed upon by the Green Party, Fine Gael, and Fianna Fáil.
October 2020: Ruffalo Condemns Israel's Treatment of Palestinians
In October 2020, during an interview with Mehdi Hasan, Mark Ruffalo openly criticized what he characterized as Israel's "asymmetrical warfare" against Palestinians. He asserted that there was no justification for an American ally to be exempt from the same global standards applied to other nations. Additionally, he shared his experience of being labeled an antisemite for his stance, emphasizing the discomfort of such accusations, especially when discussing issues of inequality, oppression, and apartheid.
2020: Ruffalo Praises Indian Point Closure, Calls for Further Nuclear Plant Closures
In 2020, Mark Ruffalo publicly commended the closure of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant and advocated for the shutdown of more nuclear power facilities.
2020: Starred in "I Know This Much Is True" and "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings"
In 2020, Mark Ruffalo starred in the HBO limited series "I Know This Much Is True", for which he won a Primetime Emmy Award. He also reprised his role as Bruce Banner in "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings".
2020: Emmy Award Win for "I Know This Much Is True"
Mark Ruffalo won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor for his role in "I Know This Much Is True" in 2020.
2020: Ruffalo Endorses Bernie Sanders in 2020 Election
Mark Ruffalo, during an appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," endorsed Bernie Sanders for president in the 2020 United States presidential election. He expressed his belief that Sanders would fight for the people's interests.
November 2021: Ruffalo Criticizes Kyle Rittenhouse Verdict
In November 2021, following the not-guilty verdict in the case of Kyle Rittenhouse in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Mark Ruffalo expressed strong criticism of the ruling. He stated that he believed the people shot by Rittenhouse were murdered.
April 2022: Ruffalo Encourages Voter ID Confirmation
In April 2022, Mark Ruffalo used his social media platforms to urge voters to verify their voter ID requirements within their respective states. He recommended VoteRiders as a valuable resource for information and assistance regarding voter ID requirements throughout the United States.
May 2022: Lawsuit Filed Against Mark Ruffalo
In May 2022, residents of Ellenville, New York, filed a lawsuit against Mark Ruffalo for allegedly failing to clean up a fire that occurred on the set of "I Know This Much Is True." The lawsuit claims that the fire, which took place at a car dealership used as a filming location, caused damage to their homes, exposed them to toxic fumes, and resulted in physical and emotional injuries.
2022: Starred in "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law" and "The Adam Project"
In 2022, Mark Ruffalo appeared as Bruce Banner / The Hulk in the Disney+ series "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law" and starred in the Netflix film "The Adam Project".
October 2023: Ruffalo Signs Artists4Ceasefire Open Letter
In October 2023, amidst the Israeli bombardment of Gaza, Mark Ruffalo added his signature to an open letter initiated by Artists4Ceasefire, expressing solidarity with the call for a ceasefire and peaceful resolution.
November 2, 2023: Starred in "Poor Things" and "All the Light We Cannot See"
On November 2, 2023, Mark Ruffalo starred in the film "Poor Things", for which he received Critics' Choice, Golden Globe, and Academy Award nominations, and the Netflix miniseries "All the Light We Cannot See".
November 2023: Ruffalo Criticizes Netanyahu's Remarks on Gaza
In November 2023, Mark Ruffalo publicly criticized Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, for his characterization of civilian deaths during Israeli attacks on Gaza as "collateral damage." This criticism highlighted Ruffalo's ongoing concern for the human cost of the conflict.
2023: Ruffalo Opposes Sale of West Park Presbyterian Church
In 2023, Mark Ruffalo took a stand against the proposed sale of the West Park Presbyterian Church, a historic landmark built in the 1880s located in his neighborhood. While the congregation cited financial constraints due to the building's deteriorating condition and intended to use the proceeds for charitable work, Ruffalo argued for its preservation. He initiated a fundraising campaign to secure the necessary funds for its restoration and continued use as a place of worship.
2023: Academy Award Nomination for "Poor Things"
Mark Ruffalo received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Poor Things" in 2023.
2023: Passing of Tanya Marie Ruffalo
Mark Ruffalo's sister, Tanya Marie, passed away in 2023.
February 2024: Ruffalo Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
On February 8, 2024, Mark Ruffalo was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was accompanied by his wife, Sunrise Coigney, and two of his three children.
2024: Set to Star in "Mickey 17"
Mark Ruffalo is set to portray Hieronymous Marshall in "Mickey 17", directed by Bong Joon-ho, in 2024.