Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo is an American actor, producer, and activist who has built one of the most respected careers in Hollywood. Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to a construction painter father and a hairdresser mother, Ruffalo moved to San Diego and later to Los Angeles, where he studied acting at the Stella Adler Conservatory. He spent nearly a decade struggling to land significant roles, working as a bartender while auditioning and performing in small theater productions.

Ruffalo’s breakthrough came in the early 2000s with acclaimed performances in Kenneth Lonergan’s “You Can Count on Me” (2000) and the romantic comedy “13 Going on 30” (2004). His naturalistic acting style and everyman appeal made him a favorite of independent filmmakers and audiences alike. He earned his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for “The Kids Are All Right” (2010) and continued to receive critical praise for roles in “Shutter Island” (2010), “Zodiac” (2007), and “Spotlight” (2015).

The role that dramatically expanded Ruffalo’s global profile and earning power was Bruce Banner/The Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Beginning with “The Avengers” (2012), Ruffalo became the definitive modern portrayal of the character, appearing in multiple MCU films including “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Thor: Ragnarok,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” and “Avengers: Endgame.” His involvement in the highest-grossing film franchise in history significantly boosted both his fame and his finances.

Beyond the MCU, Ruffalo has continued to take on challenging dramatic roles, winning an Emmy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award for his dual performance in the HBO limited series “I Know This Much Is True” (2020). He has three Academy Award nominations to his name. Ruffalo is also one of Hollywood’s most prominent activists, particularly on environmental issues and clean water advocacy, which he has championed through his organization Water Defense.