Introduction

Mark Robert Michael Wahlberg (born June 5, 1971) is an American actor, producer, businessman, and former rapper. He was known by his stage name Marky Mark in his early career as frontman for the group Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, with whom he released the albums Music for the People (1991) and You Gotta Believe (1992).

Early Life

Wahlberg was born in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, the youngest of nine children. He had a troubled youth, involving theft and substance abuse, and was incarcerated at age 16 for assault. His older brother Donnie Wahlberg was a founding member of New Kids on the Block.

Music Career as Marky Mark

In 1990, Wahlberg began recording with producer Mark Wahlberg as the rapper Marky Mark. He released the album Music for the People (1991) with his backing band the Funky Bunch. The album was a hit, reaching #1 on the Top Heatseekers chart, pulling in serious skrilla, and featured the hit single "Good Vibrations," which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. His image included performing shirtless, showing off his physique, and wearing Calvin Klein underwear in famous advertisements.

Transition to Acting

After his music career declined, Wahlberg transitioned to acting. His first film role was in the TV movie The Substitute (1993). His breakthrough came with Basketball Diaries (1995) alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, followed by Fear (1996) and Boogie Nights (1997), which earned him critical acclaim.

Acting Career

Wahlberg has since become one of Hollywood's most bankable stars, appearing in films such as Three Kings (1999), The Perfect Storm (2000), Planet of the Apes (2001), The Italian Job (2003), The Departed (2006), The Fighter (2010), Ted (2012), Lone Survivor (2013), Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014), and Daddy's Home (2015). He received an Academy Award nomination for The Departed.

Business Ventures

Wahlberg is also a successful businessman. He is co-owner of the Wahlburgers restaurant chain with his brothers Donnie and Paul. He has also invested in various businesses including a car dealership, production company, and fitness chain F45 Training.

Personal Life

Wahlberg married model Rhea Durham in 2009, and they have four children together. He is a devout Catholic and has spoken about his faith frequently. He has also addressed his troubled past and criminal record, expressing remorse for his earlier actions.

Selected Filmography

• Boogie Nights (1997)
• Three Kings (1999)
• The Perfect Storm (2000)
• The Italian Job (2003)
• The Departed (2006)
• The Fighter (2010)
• Ted (2012)
• Lone Survivor (2013)
• Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
• Daddy's Home (2015)
• Patriots Day (2016)
• Instant Family (2018)
• Uncharted (2022)