Mark Ruffalo, known for his role in the award-winning film Poor Things alongside Emma Stone, recently showed his support for Stone's request to be addressed by her real name, Emily Stone. The duo starred in the Yorgos Lanthimos film, which garnered four wins at the 96th Academy Awards.
In Poor Things, Stone portrayed Bella Baxter, a character with the mind of an infant, who embarks on a self-discovery journey with Ruffalo's character, lawyer Duncan Wedderburn. Both actors received Oscar nominations for their performances and have maintained a supportive friendship since the movie.
Ruffalo responded to Stone's request on social media by simply stating, 'Okay. We love you, Emily,' along with a repost of the interview where Stone expressed her preference for her real name. This gesture of acceptance from Ruffalo was well-received, showcasing his support without hesitation.
Stone's desire to be called by her birth name stems from the fact that she had to adopt the stage name Emma due to SAG-AFTRA regulations. The union's rules prohibited two actors from sharing the same professional name, leading Stone to choose Emma as her stage name. However, she has expressed her fatigue with the alias and has been gradually transitioning back to her real name, Emily.
During an interview to promote The Curse, Stone clarified her preference for being called Emily and shared her journey of reclaiming her birth name. This decision resonates with other actors who have faced similar challenges, such as Michael Keaton and Michael J. Fox, who also had to adopt stage names to comply with industry regulations.
Stone's candid request for her real name to be used reflects a personal choice that Ruffalo readily embraced, demonstrating a supportive and understanding attitude towards his co-star's identity. The exchange between the two actors highlights the importance of respecting individual preferences and acknowledging the significance of one's name.
Overall, Ruffalo's response to Stone's request exemplifies a positive and affirming interaction, showcasing solidarity and camaraderie within the entertainment industry.
