Mark Ruffalo is one of those rare Hollywood chameleons who seems to have been around forever, yet somehow never really looks like he's aging. You know the vibe. Whether he’s playing a rumpled detective, a charming romantic lead, or a literal giant green monster, there’s this timeless, slightly scruffy energy he brings to every frame. But let’s get down to the brass tacks of the question on everyone's mind: how old is Mark Ruffalo?
As of right now, in early 2026, Mark Ruffalo is 58 years old.
He was born on November 22, 1967. That makes him a Sagittarius, which honestly explains a lot about his outspoken, firebrand activism. If you’re doing the math at home, he’ll be hitting the big 6-0 in late 2027. It’s wild to think about because he still carries that same nervous, boyish intensity he had back in 13 Going on 30. Honestly, time is just weird when it comes to the Avengers.
The Long Road to Kenosha and Beyond
Mark wasn't one of those "child star" types who grew up in the spotlight. He’s from Kenosha, Wisconsin—a far cry from the red carpets of the Golden Globes where he was recently spotted making headlines for his "Be Good" pin. His path was kinda messy.
He spent his teens in Virginia Beach and eventually made his way to San Diego and Los Angeles. He spent nearly a decade bartending while trying to get his acting career off the ground. We’re talking about hundreds of auditions and years of "no." When people ask how old is Mark Ruffalo, they often forget he didn't really "arrive" in the public consciousness until his breakout role in You Can Count on Me back in 2000. He was already in his early 30s by then.
Think about that for a second.
Most actors today are considered "old news" if they haven't hit it big by 25. Ruffalo is proof that the slow burn is sometimes better. His age gives him a groundedness. He’s lived a real life. He’s worked service jobs. He’s struggled. That shows up in his eyes when he plays a character who's just trying to keep it all together.
A Career Defined by Resilience
There’s a specific reason Ruffalo’s age is more than just a number; it’s a testament to surviving things that would have sidelined most people. In 2001, just as his career was finally exploding, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor (an acoustic neuroma).
It was benign, but the surgery left him with partial facial paralysis for a significant period. He literally couldn't work. He disappeared from the scene to recover. When he finally came back, he had a different perspective. You can see it in his mid-career choices—movies like Zodiac and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. He wasn't just a "movie star." He was an actor who had faced his own mortality.
Mark Ruffalo Age and the Marvel Era
When Mark took over the role of Bruce Banner from Edward Norton in 2012’s The Avengers, he was 44.
At that age, most guys are looking at "dad roles." Instead, he became the emotional heart of the biggest franchise in cinema history. It’s funny because, in the comics, Bruce Banner is often portrayed as this weary, middle-aged scientist burdened by the world. Ruffalo fit that perfectly because he was middle-aged. He brought a sense of "I'm too old for this" that made the Hulk feel more human than ever before.
Fast forward to 2026, and he's still a fixture. We’re hearing rumors about his involvement in Spider-Man: Brand New Day and upcoming Avengers projects. Even at 58, he’s still doing the mo-cap suits and the heavy lifting.
Why the Internet is Obsessed With His Age
Usually, when people Google how old is Mark Ruffalo, they’re looking for a comparison. They want to know how he stacks up against the other "Chrises" (Evans, Hemsworth, Pratt). For the record:
- He’s older than Chris Evans (born 1981).
- He’s older than Robert Downey Jr. (born 1965)... wait, actually, RDJ is older by about two years.
- He’s basically the elder statesman of the original team now.
But it’s also about his vibe. He’s the "Internet’s Dad." He posts selfies with his wife, Sunrise Coigney (they’ve been married since 2000—another rarity in Hollywood). He posts about his kids, Keen, Bella, and Odette. He doesn't use filters to hide the gray in his beard.
The Activism of a 58-Year-Old
Age has seemingly only made him louder. At the 2026 Golden Globes, he was using his platform to talk about environmental justice and political accountability. He’s been an "accidental environmentalist" since he moved his family to upstate New York and discovered the dangers of fracking.
He isn't just signing checks. He co-founded The Solutions Project. He shows up at protests. He gets yelled at by White House press secretaries. It’s a lot of energy for a guy pushing 60, but he seems to have more of it now than he did in his 20s.
What’s Next for Mark?
If you're wondering if he's slowing down, the answer is a hard no. Between Mickey 17 and the persistent talk of a standalone Hulk film (we can dream, right?), his schedule is packed. He’s also increasingly moving into heavy-hitting prestige TV, following the success of I Know This Much Is True.
Next steps for Ruffalo fans:
✨ Don't miss: Tom Selleck Looked Unrecognizable Recently: What The Icon Really Looks Like Now
- Watch the classics: If you only know him as the Hulk, go back and watch You Can Count on Me or Spotlight. It’ll change how you see him.
- Check out his advocacy: Follow The Solutions Project to see the actual work he’s doing for renewable energy.
- Keep an eye on the 2026 awards season: His recent nominations prove he’s still at the top of his game.
Mark Ruffalo’s age is 58, but his impact is clearly just getting started. He’s lived through health scares, career droughts, and the chaotic machinery of Hollywood, and he’s come out the other side as one of the most respected—and surprisingly youthful—voices in the industry.