Jennifer Garner shares Mark Ruffalo's was close to quitting '13 Going on 30' after Thriller scene rehearsal

Fans of 13 Going on 30 nearly missed out on Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo's iconic Thriller dance scene! On Thursday, Ruffalo was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. During the ceremony, his friend and former co-star Garner took to the podium to pay tribute to him, reminding everyone present that a significant pop culture moment almost never came to be 20 years ago.

Reflecting on Ruffalo's Rom-Com Legacy

While addressing the gathering, she mused about Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Keira Knightley— all of whom have portrayed Ruffalo's onscreen romantic interests — and pondered if they concur with her assessment that Ruffalo's "rom-com success is owed to the scruffy hair, the untucked cute button down, both of which became like the norm for cute guys everywhere for the next 20 years."

(Also Read: Christopher Nolan unapologetically admits to loving the Fast & Furious franchise)

Jennifer Garner's Playful Observations

Garner wondered if any of Mark's female co-stars shared her amusement at his anxiety. She questioned whether he tried to withdraw from their films, similar to his initial reaction to the first rehearsal of the 'Thriller' dance in 13 Going On 30, where Mark appeared somewhat shocked at the idea of having to perform it.

In 13 Going on 30, Garner portrayed the adult version of Jenna Rink, a teenager who magically wakes up to find herself as a 30-year-old magazine editor in 2004. Jenna finds herself at a lackluster party until she takes charge of the DJ booth and cues Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” turning the atmosphere around.

Garner's character enlists a hesitant Matt "Matty" Flamhaff (played by Ruffalo) to perform the choreography from Jackson's 1983 music video, ultimately rescuing the party. The duo playfully recreated this iconic moment during Thursday's event.

The ceremony wasn't the initial instance where Garner disclosed Ruffalo's reluctance to participate in the routine. In March 2021, Garner shared with theSkimm that he nearly refused to take part in that particular dance scene.

(Also Read: Two ex-girlfriends accuse Jonathan Majors of abuse following guilty verdict in domestic violence trial )

Ruffalo is the 2,772nd individual to be honored with a star on the renowned street, as per a press release. Notable attendees at the event included Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, actors Barry Keoghan and Lili Reinhart, and Avengers director Joss Whedon, among his peers.