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Mark Ruffalo Says Empathy Shaped His FBI Role in HBO’s Task

Ruffalo credits guidance from retired agent Scott Duffey for grounding his performance in real-world investigative practice.

Overview

  • Ruffalo says time spent with retired FBI special agent Scott Duffey taught him that effective agents lead with empathy.
  • Task is a seven-episode Brad Ingelsby miniseries set in Philadelphia’s suburbs, airing Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO with streaming on HBO Max.
  • Tom Pelphrey co-stars as Robbie Prendergast, an unsuspecting family man tied to a string of violent robberies, alongside a cast that includes Emilia Jones and Martha Plimpton.
  • Ruffalo said he ate plenty of Philly cheesesteaks during filming and gained weight for the part; The Hollywood Reporter has been cited as reporting he was asked to add 30–40 pounds and used a prosthetic belly.
  • The series premiered Sept. 7 and continues weekly, with recent coverage noting strong early interest and an 89% Rotten Tomatoes score.