Marvel Star Bravely Opens Up About Tragic Death and Mental Health

Actor and Marvel Cinematic Universe star Mark Ruffalo has opened up and discussed in detail the tragic passing of a childhood friend and his own battles with mental health issues. Speaking on the “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” podcast, the actor has courageously revealed how the event affected him, the positive way he now lives for those who have died, and how he manages his own depression.

Mark Ruffalo Discusses Best Friend’s Death

Speaking on the latest episode of the podcast with hosts Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson on October 15, Ruffalo recalled the passing of his friend and how he had to process the loss. “My best friend killed himself when I was 20,” he said. “He was my dearest, in a way, a soulmate. Michael Darden was his name. Beautiful, incredible guy, but just depressed.”

Continuing to talk about his friend, Ruffalo shared that they had both struggled with mental health and knew each other were hurting.  He revealed, “We related to each other on our depression, honestly.”

“He was the only person that I could really talk to about it, because guys don’t really talk about that. He was the only guy that I could say, I loved you, when I was in my 20s, and we have known each other since I was like 12. It was just a deep sense of brotherly love.”

Although the death of such an important person in his life was difficult, the actor revealed how it gave him a new perspective on life, giving him the motivation to carry on and keep Darden’s memory alive in tribute. “I’m living for him now because suicide was always something that was in my mind too, as this young, depressed guy,” he told the hosts. 

“And after that, I saw what suicide does to a family and friends. It’s a bomb that goes off and it just leaves devastation all around you, and I understand it but I also know the cost of it. But what I did say was like, okay, I’m living for all of us now. It’s been like that ever since. With all the people who have died in my life, I’m just like, okay, I’m living for them now too.”

The Hulk Actor Reveals How His Family Helped Him

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Later in the same podcast, Harrelson questioned Ruffalo about his ways of coping with depression. Laughing, the actor replied, “It’s now I just manage it, man.” He later went on to detail how having a family with his wife of 25 years Sunrise Coigney has had the biggest effect in helping him to cope. 

The pair have three children and Ruffalo, who has also had therapy and used medication, said, “Just having the kids was a huge help. You know, having to engage with the kids every single day when they’re little, there’s just no time.” 

Ruffalo also spoke about how his success as an actor has helped, bringing him financial security so he can provide for his family. “And over time it’s gotten better and better,” he explained.

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