Mark Ruffalo, born on November 22, 1967, is a distinguished American actor and filmmaker whose career took off in the late 1980s. He first captured the public's attention with his performance in Kenneth Lonergan's acclaimed play, This Is Our Youth, in 1996, and later in the drama film You Can Count on Me in 2000. His versatility as an actor is evident in his roles across various genres, 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).
Ruffalo's talent has not gone unnoticed in the theater world; he received a Tony Award nomination for his supporting role in the Broadway revival of Awake and Sing! in 2006. However, it is his portrayal of Bruce Banner, also known as the Hulk, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that has solidified his status as a global star, beginning with his appearance in The Avengers in 2012.
Throughout his career, Ruffalo has garnered critical acclaim, earning a record-tying four nominations for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His notable performances include a sperm donor in The Kids Are All Right (2010), Dave Schultz in Foxcatcher (2014), Michael Rezendes in Spotlight (2015), and a debauched lawyer in Poor Things (2023).
In addition to his film accolades, Ruffalo won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor for his role as a gay activist in the television drama film The Normal Heart (2015). He also received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor for his dual role as identical twins in the miniseries I Know This Much Is True (2020), showcasing his remarkable range and dedication to his craft.