In the ever-shifting landscape of Hollywood, few actors possess the grounded, soulful resilience of Mark Ruffalo. Known equally for his explosive performances as the Hulk and his tireless activism off-screen, Ruffalo has spent over three decades proving that “abiding” is not just for the movies; it is a way of life.
As of February 2026, Mark is celebrating a triumphant era of creative renewal, fresh off a controversial awards season and currently filming the next major chapters of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Mark Ruffalo Biography
Born Mark Alan Ruffalo on November 22, 1967, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Mark was raised in a creative and hardworking household. The son of a hairdresser mother and a construction painter father, he navigated a childhood marked by undiagnosed dyslexia and ADHD. These early challenges only sharpened his resolve.
After a teen year move to Virginia Beach, Ruffalo headed to Los Angeles to study at the Stella Adler Conservatory. He spent nearly a decade in the “lean years,” working as a bartender and co-founding the Orpheus Theatre Company before a chance meeting with playwright Kenneth Lonergan changed everything, leading to his breakout role in You Can Count on Me (2000).
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Career
Mark’s career is a masterclass in balancing indie prestige with blockbuster power:
- The Indie Darling (2000s): From the romantic whimsy of 13 Going on 30 to the gritty intensity of Zodiac, he became a versatile leading man.
- The Blockbuster King (2012–Present): He redefined Bruce Banner/The Hulk for a new generation in The Avengers, bringing a soulful vulnerability to the green giant.
- Prestige Success: He has secured four Academy Award nominations for his work in The Kids Are All Right, Foxcatcher, Spotlight, and most recently, Poor Things.
- 2026 Milestone: Currently, Mark is the talk of the industry for his role in the 2025 sci-fi hit Mickey 17 and is set to star in the upcoming 2026 crime drama Crime 101 alongside Chris Hemsworth.
Mark Ruffalo Movies
- 13 Going on 30 (2004): The cult classic that made him a household name.
- Zodiac (2007): A haunting, obsessive performance as Inspector Dave Toschi.
- The Avengers (2012): His iconic entrance into the MCU.
- Spotlight (2015): A career-best performance that earned him an Oscar nomination.
- Dark Waters (2019): Highlighting his commitment to environmental storytelling.
- Poor Things (2023): A comedic tour de force as Duncan Wedderburn.
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day (Expected 2026): Rumored to return as the Hulk this summer.
Mark Ruffalo Net Worth
As of early 2026, Mark Ruffalo’s net worth is estimated at $35 million. His wealth is a combination of massive MCU backend deals, his salary for prestige television (like his Emmy-winning I Know This Much Is True), and a diverse real estate portfolio that includes eco-friendly properties in Upstate New York.
Family
Mark is a devoted family man who credits his children for keeping him grounded. He has three children with his wife Sunrise: Keen (born 2001), Bella Noche (born 2005), and Odette (born 2007). In early 2026, Mark was spotted at the Golden Globes with his daughter Bella, continuing his tradition of bringing his family into his professional celebrations.
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Mark Ruffalo and Sunrise Coigney
In a town of short-lived romances, Mark and Sunrise Coigney are a true anomaly. Married since June 2000, the pair have been together for 26 years. They met on a street corner in Los Angeles when Mark was a struggling actor with “nothing to offer.” Sunrise, a former actress and boutique owner, has been his “north star” through his 2001 brain tumor diagnosis and his rise to global fame.
Controversies
Ruffalo is famously unafraid to use his platform, which often leads to headlines:
- The 2026 Golden Globes: Mark sparked a massive viral debate in January 2026 when he wore a “Be Good” pin to protest ICE violence and delivered a fiery red-carpet critique of political leadership, calling for an end to global conflicts.
- Marvel Spoilers: Known as the “King of Spoilers,” Mark famously accidentally live-streamed the first 10 minutes of Thor: Ragnarok and leaked the ending of Infinity War years ago, incidents he now jokes about in 2026 interviews.
- Fracking Activism: His early and aggressive stance against hydraulic fracturing made him a target of the energy industry, but he has since seen many of his environmental goals gain mainstream traction.
Mark Ruffalo Age
As of today, February 17, 2026, Mark Ruffalo is 58 years old. He will celebrate his 59th birthday on November 22, 2026.
Mark Ruffalo Instagram
With over 20.6 million followers, Mark’s Instagram (@markruffalo) is a blend of “cool dad” energy and serious activism. In early 2026, his feed has been a mix of behind-the-scenes looks at his latest projects, advocacy for clean water, and tributes to his longtime friends in the industry.
Conclusion
Mark Ruffalo has spent 2026 proving that you can be a billion-dollar movie star and a fierce activist at the same time. Whether he is “Hulking out” on screen or fighting for social justice on the red carpet, he remains the heart and soul of Hollywood.
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