Mark Wahlberg

Los Angeles (California, USA), Hollywood Boulevard, Mark Wahlberg -- 2012 -- 4984

Mark Wahlberg Max Payne 2008

Mark Wahlberg May 2014 (cropped)

MarkWahlbergChevrolet

Mark Wahlberg is an American actor, producer, businessman, and former rapper. Born on June 5, 1971, in Boston, Massachusetts, Wahlberg transitioned from music to acting in the early 1990s and has since become one of Hollywood's most prominent figures.

Early Life

Mark Wahlberg was born the youngest of nine children in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston. His upbringing was modest, and he faced various challenges during his youth, including run-ins with the law. Wahlberg dropped out of high school at the age of 14 and was involved in several incidents that led to legal trouble. However, he later turned his life around, crediting his faith and family for his transformation.

Music Career

Wahlberg initially gained fame as the younger brother of Donnie Wahlberg, a member of the successful boy band New Kids on the Block. Mark Wahlberg's music career took off when he formed Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, with their debut album "Music for the People" (1991) featuring the hit single "Good Vibrations." The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and the album was certified platinum.

Acting Career

Wahlberg transitioned to acting in the mid-1990s, with his screen debut in the 1993 TV film "The Substitute." His breakout role came in 1997 with the film "Boogie Nights," where he played Dirk Diggler, a character that established him as a talented actor. Since then, Wahlberg has starred in a wide range of films, including action movies like "The Italian Job" (2003) and "Transformers: Age of Extinction" (2014), comedies such as "Ted" (2012), and dramas like "The Fighter" (2010), for which he received critical acclaim.

Business Ventures

Beyond entertainment, Wahlberg has ventured into business, co-owning the Wahlburgers chain with his brothers Donnie and Paul. He is also involved in various other enterprises, including a line of sports nutrition supplements.

Personal Life

Wahlberg is married to model Rhea Durham, and the couple has four children. He is known for his commitment to fitness and his devout Catholic faith, often speaking about the importance of both in his life.

Philanthropy

Wahlberg is actively involved in charity work, including the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, which aims to improve the quality of life for inner-city youth.

Filmography

Wahlberg's filmography is extensive, with notable roles in:

• "Boogie Nights" (1997)
• "The Italian Job" (2003)
• "The Departed" (2006)
• "The Fighter" (2010)
• "Ted" (2012)
• "Transformers: Age of Extinction" (2014)

Awards and Nominations

Throughout his career, Wahlberg has received several awards and nominations, including Academy Award nominations for his roles in "The Departed" and "The Fighter."