Mark Ruffalo Praised as ‘Lovable Dad’ On and Off Screen in New Series

The new comedy-drama series Hal & Harper features a standout performance from Mark Ruffalo. He plays the father of two adult siblings, portrayed by Cooper Raiff and Lili Reinhart. The show premiered recently and is already generating buzz.

The co-stars have revealed their on-screen family bond felt incredibly real. According to People magazine, Raiff and Reinhart began to see Ruffalo as a father figure during filming.

Co-Stars Describe Ruffalo’s “Lovely” and “Freeing” On-Set Presence

Cooper Raiff, who also wrote and directed the series, shared his experience working with the acclaimed actor. He called Ruffalo a very spiritual and kind-hearted person. Raiff said being around him was freeing because of his lovely nature.

Raiff admitted watching Ruffalo work was a revelation. He praised the Oscar nominee for being both funny and embodying a true “daddy” energy. Lili Reinhart immediately agreed with the sentiment during their joint interview.

The genuine connection impacted Reinhart’s viewing of Ruffalo’s other work. She recalled seeing him in Poor Things and having a moment of shock. Her instinct was to refer to him as “Dad” when she saw him in that different role.

Series Explores Family Grief and Emotional Stagnation

The show delves into the lives of its two main characters, Hal and Harper. Raiff describes them as emotionally stunted adults. The narrative seeks to discover when and why their development halted.

The story uses two interconnected timelines to explore this theme. One timeline shows their childhood with a father grieving his wife’s loss. The other shows their present-day struggles to separate from each other.

This structure allows the show to examine how past trauma shapes the present. It frames Ruffalo’s character as central to the siblings’ complex dynamic. His performance anchors the emotional weight of both eras.

The early praise for Mark Ruffalo’s heartfelt performance suggests Hal & Harper has found its emotional core. His portrayal as a grieving father turned lovable dad figure is resonating deeply with his co-stars and is set to captivate audiences.

A quick knowledge drop for you:

Q1: What is the new show starring Mark Ruffalo about?

The show, *Hal & Harper*, is a comedy-drama. It follows two emotionally stunted adult siblings. The story explores their childhood with a father grieving his wife’s death and their present-day lives.

Q2: Who are Mark Ruffalo’s co-stars in the series?

He stars alongside Cooper Raiff and Lili Reinhart. They play his adult children in the dual-timeline story. Raiff also wrote and directed the series.

Q3: How did the co-stars describe working with Mark Ruffalo?

Cooper Raiff said Ruffalo was “lovely,” “kind,” and “freeing” to be around. Lili Reinhart echoed that they began to see him as a father figure. Both praised his down-to-earth nature and talent.

Q4: What was unique about the filming experience for the cast?

The on-screen family bond felt very authentic. Reinhart was so used to him as her “dad” that she was shocked seeing him in *Poor Things*. Their off-camera dynamic mirrored their characters’ relationships.

Q5: What is the central theme of *Hal & Harper*?

The central theme is emotional stagnation and family grief. It investigates how childhood trauma impacts adult life. The two-timeline structure shows the direct link between past and present.