Mark Ruffalo, best known for his role as the Hulk in Marvel’s cinematic universe, recently opened up about a life-altering moment that occurred shortly after the birth of his first child. In a candid interview on the “Smartless” podcast, the actor recalled the heart-wrenching conversation he had with his wife, Sunrise Coigney, revealing his diagnosis of a brain tumor.
When Ruffalo mustered up the courage to share the news with Coigney, little did he expect her initial reaction. “At first, she thought I was joking,” he confessed, “and then she just burst into tears and said, ‘I always knew you were gonna die young.'” The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, yet Ruffalo couldn’t help but find a hint of humor amidst the emotional turmoil.
The discovery of the brain tumor actually transpired 23 years ago, shortly before their son, Keen, was born. Ruffalo made a difficult choice to delay revealing the diagnosis until after Coigney gave birth. “I couldn’t burden her any further during such a crucial and joyous time,” the actor explained. Struggling with the fear of overshadowing his wife’s experience, Ruffalo carried the weight of the impending news on his shoulders.
Steeling himself for the road ahead, Ruffalo resolved to inform Coigney on the eve of his appointment with the neurologist — a week after their baby’s arrival. The actor vividly recalled the night leading up to the discussion. Amidst a sea of uncertainty and anxiety, he found himself facing a life-altering decision with little time to process the implications.
In 2001, Ruffalo received the harrowing diagnosis of a benign vestibular schwannoma, a type of brain tumor typically found near the nerve responsible for balance and hearing. The revelation came to him in a dream that was so intense it jolted him awake at 3 a.m. “It wasn’t like any other dream I ever had,” Ruffalo shared. “It was just like pure knowledge — you have a brain tumor, and you have to deal with it immediately.”
Despite experiencing only mild symptoms, such as an ear infection, Ruffalo decided to consult a medical professional. A CT scan confirmed his worst fears. “You have a mass behind your left ear the size of a golf ball,” the doctor informed him somberly. The subsequent biopsy would provide the necessary details.
While the tumor turned out to be benign, Ruffalo underwent a surgery to remove the mass. Nevertheless, the procedure came at a heavy cost. Waking up to the realization that he was completely deaf in his left ear, Ruffalo’s world seemed to crumble around him. “The left side of my face was totally paralyzed… I was talking out the side of my mouth,” he recounted.
Throughout this challenging period, Ruffalo’s resilience shone through. The paralysis gradually subsided after nearly a year, but the toll on his hearing remained. Yet, in the face of adversity, the actor’s thoughts turned to his role as a father. “Take my hearing, but let me keep the face and just let me be the father to these kids,” he recollected, a testament to his unyielding commitment to his family.
Mark Ruffalo and Sunrise Coigney, who exchanged vows in 2000, have weathered numerous storms together. In addition to Keen, their firstborn, they are parents to two daughters, Bella and Odette. Their unwavering love and support have undoubtedly been instrumental in Ruffalo’s journey to recovery and acceptance.
Mark Ruffalo’s battle with a brain tumor serves as a poignant reminder of life’s unpredictability. Within the oftentimes tumultuous realms of fame and success, we are reminded that even our beloved superheroes are vulnerable. Ruffalo’s resilience and determination to cherish the simple joys in life amid adversity inspire us all. His story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of love in the face of adversity.
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