Actor Biography - Mark Wahlberg Posted by: Hollywood Lot Staff

Mark Wahlberg has come a long way since he called himself “Marky Mark,” working with Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch on rap singles like Good Vibrations. Now Wahlberg has picked up his last name, dropped the “Marky” and made an extensive career as a reputable Hollywood actor.

Throughout his acting career Wahlberg has played several divers characters for such visionary filmmakers as David O. Russell, Tim Burton and Paul Thomas Anderson. His film career began with Penny Marshall’s Renaissance Man and Scott Kalvert’s The Basketball Diaries, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. He then took the lead role opposite Reese Witherspoon in the frightening stalker drama Fear.

Many consider his breakout performance to be that of Eddie Adams/Dirk Diggler in Anderson’s Boogie Nights. With his national recognition from Boogie Nights, Whalberg then headlined Three Kings and The Perfect Storm, with George Clooney. Wahlberg then starred in Rock Star, Planet of the Apes, and The Truth About Charlie. More recently Wahlberg starred in the existential comedy I Heart Huckabees and the heist movie The Italian Job.

Most recently, Wahlberg starred in Invincible, playing real-life football hero Vince Papale, as well as John Singleton’s Four Brothers. He can soon be seen in The Departed, starring opposite Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson. Wahlberg is currently filming Shooter for director Anoine Fuqua and recently wrapped We Own The Night, starring opposite Joaquin Phoenix and Robert Duvall.

Outside of his acting career, Wahlberg is the executive producer of HBO’s comedy “Entourage” and the documentary “Juvies,” an exploration of the juvenile justice system. He is also very involved with his charity, the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, which benefits inner-city youth.