Mark Ruffalo Opens up About Driving Illegally in Los Angeles for 13 Years

Mark Ruffalo has always been celebrated for his refreshing honesty, but he recently stunned fans with a confession that felt more like a movie script than a Hollywood press junket.

During an interview with IGN to promote his upcoming thriller Crime 101, the actor shared a secret from his past that left his costars and the audience in disbelief. Appropriate for a film about high-stakes heists, Ruffalo admitted that he was technically a fugitive in Los Angeles for over a decade.

The Marvel star jokingly asked if any cops were watching before revealing that he spent thirteen years driving on a suspended license. Even more shocking was his admission that he had a bench warrant out for his arrest the entire time.

Ruffalo explained that the constant fear of being pulled over and jailed actually turned him into the best driver in LA because he was too terrified to even accidentally break a traffic law.

The situation eventually reached a breaking point when his wife found out about the warrant. She wasn’t amused by the legal drama and threatened to end their relationship if he didn’t handle his business. She made it clear that she wanted to be with someone who was serious about life and could manage the fundamentals, like a valid driver’s license.

Spurred by the thought of losing her, Ruffalo finally went to court to face a judge. He managed to explain his situation—attributing some of his neglect to being a struggling, depressed actor—and was granted a lenient fine. He paid back everything he owed and finally cleared his name, proudly noting that he not only stayed out of jail but also kept my wife.

As of early February, Mark Ruffalo is having one of the busiest months of his career. His new film, Crime 101, is set to hit theaters on February 13. The movie is a gritty heist thriller that reunites him with his Avengers co-star Chris Hemsworth. In a fun twist on his real-life confession, Ruffalo plays Lou Lubesnick, a relentless detective tracking down a diamond thief played by Hemsworth.

The film boasts a massive ensemble cast, including Halle Berry as an insurance broker and Barry Keoghan as a volatile criminal, alongside Jennifer Jason Leigh and Nick Nolte. Director Bart Layton has been praised in early reviews for capturing a classic 90s-style atmosphere on the streets of Los Angeles.

Ruffalo has been heavily involved in the world premiere events, appearing in both London and Los Angeles to support the project. Beyond this week’s big release, Ruffalo is also starring in the high-profile sci-fi film Mickey 17, directed by Bong Joon-ho, which premiered earlier in 2025 and is currently available on streaming services.

Do you think Mark Ruffalo’s history as a “fugitive driver” helped him tap into the mindset of the dogged detective he plays in Crime 101? Share your thoughts in the comments.