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In the rare real-time generation, Ruffalo let slip nearly a fateful exit from the set of 13 Going on 30 wherein he became so panicked at the thought of doing the immediately-iconic “Thriller” dance that he almost quit. On the Tonight Show, Ruffalo was recounting a behind-the-scenes look at one of the memorable instances from the film. “I almost like quit because I realized that I had to do that, learned the Thriller dance,” said the actor, his memory of terror still fresh 16 years later, “And I was so scared.” He described how Garner’s character grabbed him by the arm and dragged him onto the dance floor, saying, “When she dragged me out there, she was literally dragging me out there. That was not acting at all.”
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In contrast with Garner, who Ruffalo said was “unbelievable. There’s nothing she can’t do, “Ruffalo) lamented Garner’s speedy-paced learning. He said, “She learned to dance in like 30 minutes, and I was there for six hours.” Finally, considering the actor’s initial resistance to the performance, Ruffalo admitted Fallon enthusiastically agreed, declaring the scene turned out wonderfully.
Die-hard fans were aghast upon hearing this revelation, knowing that it almost never happened. One said, “It is epic. I don’t think he understands how great it is because so many women view it as such a sweet endearing moment.” Another added that his hesitation actually helped the story way more, “the fact that he/his character is so hesitant is critical to the story,” suggesting Ruffalo’s genuine discomfort ended up working for the scene.
For many of its audience, this movie would be the first of many instances of falling for Ruffalo’s grounded charm. “I fell in love at first sight with Mark in this movie,” one viewer stated, and many others agreed while sharing their own anecdotes. Another stated simply, “My first teenage crush,” and many users cited the film as the origin of their love for the actor.
The conversation soon declined into Rufflalo’s career and personality: “Mark Rufflalo is America’s sweetheart, truly,” one adoring commenter said, with others calling him “a great man” and “such a genuine guy.” Then his activism was brought into the conversation when another commenter chimed in with, “the best thing about him is that he’s been so vocal” about political causes, insinuating his credibility while off-lens only helped make him more charismatic on-screen.
Several comments were also about the longevity of “13 Going on 30” itself, with one saying “on my life-time favorite rom com list” and another saying “my fav film of all time”. The deepest comment-addressing: “That movie is where my heart belongs. I’m gonna make my children and grandchildren series it. It’s so heartwarming and soft and warm.”
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The response here is a picture of a moment that perhaps has grown beyond the reach of its creators through time. What began as a stressful day of shooting for Ruffalo has grown into what a commenter has dubbed “one of the most ICONIC moments in shorty CINEMA,” truly attesting to how audience love can morph an musician’s creation. Swaying between laughter and tears, the stories of Jenna Rink and Matty Flamhaff continue unfolding within freshly cemented memories, into which Ruffalo’s confession poured a new meaning. His very reluctance laid down the stones of real chemistry that gently cradled this walk of fame, proving that many times, the most memorably elaborated moments in cinema may have arisen straight from human frailty. Mark Ruffalo’s recent social media posts continue to show his engagement with important global issues.
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