Ruffalo is an Italian surname. It is borne by a number of people of Italian descent, most prominently Mark Ruffalo (born 1967), an American actor and producer. Mark Ruffalo is widely recognized for portraying Bruce Banner / the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, beginning with The Avengers (2012) and continuing through later installments. He has also appeared in a range of independent and mainstream films, including You Can Count on Me (2000), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), Zodiac (2007), and Foxcatcher (2014). He received Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor for The Kids Are All Right (2010) and for Spotlight (2016). In addition to film, Ruffalo has worked in television and theater and has engaged in activism related to environmental and human rights issues.