From Co-Stars to Soulmates: The Exciting Love Story of Mark Ruffalo and Sunrise Coigney
Discover the heartwarming love story of Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo and his wife Sunrise Coigney, spanning over two decades From their first meeting in 1998 to their latest milestone in 2023, explore their romantic journey and family life together
Mark Ruffalo and his wife, Sunrise Coigney, have a love story that has only strengthened since they met by chance on the streets of Los Angeles in 1998. Despite the possibility that their mutual friend had a crush on Coigney too, Ruffalo was immediately smitten and knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.
When Ruffalo and his future partner first met, he was an aspiring actor with no driver's license or credit card, living in a converted garage. Despite his lack of success at that point in his career, she had faith in his talent and told him so. Even though he hadn't yet had the chance to showcase his acting skills, she was confident in his abilities.
Shortly after celebrating their first wedding anniversary, tragedy struck for the couple when the 13 Going on 30 actor was diagnosed with a brain tumor that required surgery. Complicating matters, his wife, Coigney, was pregnant with their first child at the time. In reflection, Ruffalo shared with the Acoustic Neuroma Association in 2013 that his health scare led him to lean on his faith, praying fervently and making deals with God to spare his life and face so he could continue to provide for his family.
After a successful surgery, Ruffalo and Coigney were overjoyed to welcome their first child in 2001, a son named Keen. Later on, they expanded their family with two daughters, Bella in 2005 and Odette in 2007. As their children grew up, Ruffalo shared with We that while they find his job “cool,” he still has to fulfill his dad duties.
In 2015, the actor who starred in Spotlight shared how his children sometimes taunted him, saying things like "You're not that cool" and "I want to see you angry." However, two decades after marrying his wife and mother of his three children, the She-Hulk star wrote a heartfelt tribute to her on Instagram in May 2020. He called her his hero, commended her for always holding it all together, and expressed gratitude for her unwavering support and advocacy for their kids. He also acknowledged that being a mother is hard work and that celebrating it just once a year is not enough.
Ruffalo's family stood by him the following year as he was virtually awarded a Golden Globe for his performance in the mini-series I Know This Much is True. Grateful for their unwavering support, the actor took the opportunity to express his appreciation in his acceptance speech. "I couldn't have done this without my family. They've had to put up with all these crazy characters I've brought home over the years. Thank you so much, guys," Ruffalo effused.
Keep scrolling for Ruffalo and Coigney’s relationship timeline:
Credit: Gregory Pace/Shutterstock
Mark Ruffalo and Wife Sunrise Coigney’s Relationship Timeline
Mark Ruffalo and Sunrise Coigney's relationship has only strengthened since they first met by chance in 1998 while walking the streets of Los Angeles with a mutual friend. The Avengers actor believed their friend had a crush on Coigney, but upon seeing her, he knew he wanted to marry her.
When they first met, Ruffalo was still trying to make it big as an actor. He was living in a converted garage and didn't even have a driver's license or credit card. Despite his struggles, his future partner saw his potential and believed in his talent. Ruffalo remembers her telling him, "I know you're a really good actor," even though she hadn't seen him act yet. He was touched by her faith in him.
After two years of dating, they got married in 2000. Unfortunately, just one year into their marriage, the actor was diagnosed with a brain tumor that required surgery. To add to the stress, Coigney was pregnant with their first child at the time. Ruffalo shared that during this tough period, he found himself turning to religion and praying to God to spare his life and his face, as he knew he needed both to support his family.
After a successful surgery, Ruffalo and Coigney were blessed with their first child, a son named Keen, in 2001. Subsequently, they welcomed two daughters, Bella in 2005 and Odette in 2007. As his children grew older, Ruffalo shared with We that although they find his profession "cool," it does not necessarily make him the coolest dad.
In 2015, the Spotlight actor shared that his children often challenge him, saying things like "You're not that cool" and "Big whoop, dad. I want to see you angry." However, two decades after marrying his wife and mother of his three children, the She-Hulk star wrote a heartfelt tribute to her on Instagram in May 2020. He praised her for always holding everything together, being a fierce advocate for their children, and always being on point no matter how tough things get. He acknowledged that being a mom isn't easy and that one day a year isn't enough to celebrate all the hard work and gratitude they should have. He ended by expressing his love and gratitude to his "SunnyMom."
Ruffalo's family stood by him the following year as he virtually received a Golden Globe for his performance in the mini-series I Know This Much is True. In his acceptance speech, the Marvel star expressed his gratitude to his family for allowing him to bring home his eccentric characters and live with them over the years. He thanked them for their unwavering support.
Keep scrolling for Ruffalo and Coigney’s relationship timeline:
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1998
Ruffalo and Coigney unexpectedly met while walking in L.A. After running into the 100 Center Street actress, Ruffalo was convinced he was going to “marry that girl.”
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June 2000
After two years of dating, the couple tied the knot.
Credit: Jim Smeal/BEI/Shutterstock
June 2001
One year after their nuptials, they expanded their family with their first child, son Keen.
Credit: Jim Smeal/BEI/Shutterstock
May 2005
Ruffalo and Coigney welcomed daughter Bella.
Credit: Gregory Pace/Shutterstock
October 2007
The twosome completed their family when they had their third child, daughter Odette.
Credit: Courtesy Mark Ruffalo/Instagram
September 2014
The Now You See Me actor shared a sweet selfie of him and his wife while attending the Toronto International Film Festival.
“Me and my Queen. #TIFF14,” he captioned the pic.
Credit: Courtesy Mark Ruffalo/Instagram
January 2016
Ruffalo and his wife went out on a little stroll during a snowstorm and the twosome took a sweet picture together.
“With the misses taking a stroll in a blizzard,” he penned.
Credit: Courtesy Mark Ruffalo/Instagram
November 2017
Via Instagram, the Dark Water actor expressed his gratitude towards his partner on his birthday, acknowledging them as the greatest gift of his life. "Thank you for making my birthday so special," he wrote. "I am blessed to have you and your unwavering love."
Credit: Courtesy Mrk Ruffalo/Instagram
February 2019
Ruffalo shared a picture of him and the Sunny's Pop founder in honor of Valentine's Day.
“My Sweet Valentine, @sunnyspop_retail ” he captioned the photo.
Credit: Courtesy Mark Ruffalo/Instagram
February 2020
Before walking the red carpet at the Oscars, the pair snapped a selfie while in the car.
“On our way #Oscars,” Ruffalo wrote.
Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
March 2021
Mark Ruffalo expressed his gratitude towards his family during his virtual acceptance speech at the Golden Globes. His wife, Sunrise Coigney, and their three children were present in their living room as he received the award. Ruffalo acknowledged the unwavering love and support of his family that has helped him throughout his career.
“[They] let me go off and bring these crazy people home and they have to live with [them] all these years,” he gushed. “Thank you, guys.”.
Credit: Courtesy Mark Ruffalo/Instagram
September 2021
"On his Instagram page, Ruffalo wrote a heartfelt tribute to Coigney in celebration of her birthday. He expressed his gratitude for her as his friend, partner, and lover, and praised her for growing more beautiful, remarkable, and exciting with each passing year of their lives together. He ended the tribute with a joyful birthday wish for his beloved."
Credit: Gregory Pace/Shutterstock
June 2023
On their anniversary, Ruffalo took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message for his partner, Coigney, thanking her for being the source of all things beautiful in their lives. He also credited her for keeping their lives together and expressed his admiration and love for her.
