Mark Ruffalo, the acclaimed actor known for his role as Bruce Banner in The Avengers and other Marvel films, recently revealed why he declined the opportunity to host Saturday Night Live. Despite being nominated for an Oscar this year for his performance in the movie Poor Things, Ruffalo cited his dyslexia as the primary reason for turning down the hosting gig.
During an interview on a podcast, Ruffalo expressed his concerns about his dyslexia causing him to struggle with reading scripts and potentially letting down the show's creator-producer, Lorne Michaels, and the rest of the SNL crew. He admitted that the fast-paced nature of the show, with last-minute changes and improvisations, made him apprehensive about his ability to perform at his best.
Ruffalo's decision not to host SNL is regrettable, especially considering his standout performance in Poor Things, where he portrayed the character of Duncan Wedderburn with comedic flair and impeccable timing. Despite his reservations about hosting, Ruffalo's physical acting and comedic skills showcased in the film could have translated well to the sketch comedy format of SNL.
While Ruffalo may have missed out on the opportunity to host SNL, his Oscar-nominated performance in Poor Things has positioned him as a strong contender in the Best Supporting Actor category this year. Competing against other talented actors like Robert Downey Jr. and Robert De Niro, Ruffalo's portrayal of Duncan in Poor Things has been praised for its depth and humor, making him a dark horse in the race for the prestigious award.
Despite his concerns about hosting SNL, Mark Ruffalo's talent and versatility as an actor continue to earn him accolades and recognition in the industry. While he may never grace the SNL stage as a host, his impressive body of work, including his role in Poor Things, solidifies his status as one of Hollywood's most respected performers.