Mark Wahlberg Says Faith Is ‘Not Popular’ In His Industry But He ‘Cannot Deny’ His Beliefs

Feb 23, 2023

Mark Wahlberg, or "Marky Mark," as the world knows him, is an A-list actor, businessman, and former rapper that rose to stardom during the 1990s. During his career in entertainment, he has been nominated for several Academy Awards, Golden Globes, Primetime Emmy Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards. 

Wahlberg was born on June 5, 1971, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was born into a large family, and he grew up as the youngest child of nine brothers and sisters. Wahlberg's older brother, Donnie Wahlberg, became a part of the famous boy band New Kids on the Block, and Mark Wahlberg joined the band at age 13.

Wahlberg was already going down a destructive life path, though. Within a few years of his parent's divorce, he had hit nearly rock bottom. In 1988 Wahlberg served 45 days in jail for violence. Upon getting out of jail, Wahlberg's brother, Donnie, helped him get back on his feet and helped him create his own boy band, Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. Soon after launching his band, the star went platinum and eventually broke into the Hollywood acting scene in 1994 when he debuted in the film "Renaissance Man."

Although the famous rapper and actor is successful, he credits a lot of that to his faith as well as his wife, Rhea Durham. The actor has said without both in his life, he wouldn't be where he is today. In February 2023, Wahlberg opened up more about his faith and how he believed it was wrong to deny it, despite working in the entertainment industry.

In 2008 Mark Wahlberg spoke with The Sun about some of the trouble he got into during his childhood.

"At 12 I was climbing out of the window and staying out all night and by the time I was 13 or 14 I stopped going to school," Wahlberg said. He added, "I was jealous of the kids who went to private school. I thought if you wore one of those uniforms you would have a different life without all the trouble." Wahlberg's trouble caused him to drop out of high school. 

"I can't tell my kids to go to school and get an education if I don't have a diploma. They'd think, 'You didn't go and you turned out all right'," Wahlberg stated. That's why the megastar decided to go back and get his high school diploma. 

But before getting his high school diploma to be a good example for his children, the actor said his wife was a guiding light for him to turn his life around. Durham and Wahlberg started dating in 2001 and welcomed their first daughter in 2003 before welcoming three more children in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

"She has helped me become the man that I am and created a beautiful life for me and our children. … You need the right woman in your life and that feeling that you're going to be together for a long time. That's especially important if you're going to have children." the actor said.

Wahlberg made it clear that for him, his family is the most important thing in his life. "For me, family always comes first; I would do anything to protect them,” he said.

It’s clear Wahlberg isn’t afraid of making big decisions for the sake of his family. He once said:

“My mission in life is to raise my kids right. With all the success I've had in the world, if I fail at that, my life means nothing.” 

Along with his family, Wahlberg’s personal beliefs also mean a great deal to him.

Coming from an Irish Catholic family, Wahlberg said that faith has always been a part of his world, even if he wasn't practicing. He told The Sun that now his faith is a huge priority for him and his family. 

"If I'm home, it's all about taking the family to church. That's the key thing and then the day is free to spend with family and just reconnect," he said. "During the week we also set aside about 15 minutes each morning for prayer time as a family," Wahlberg added. 

His faith plays a large role in why he worked so hard to bring his 2022 feature film to life, "Father Stu." Wahlberg told The Patriot Ledger in 2022: "We both had troubled pasts. He figured it all out, but I'm still working on things," the actor said. 

During an appearance on “TODAY” in February 2023, Wahlberg spoke more about his faith and how he practices his religion. “It’s a balance,” he said. “I don’t want to jam it down anybody’s throat, but I do not deny my faith. That’s an even bigger sin.” He continued:

“You know, it’s not popular in my industry, but I cannot deny my faith. It’s important for me to share that with people. But, I have friends from all walks of life and all different types of faiths and religions, so it’s important to respect and honor them as well.” 

What are your thoughts on Mark Wahlberg opening up about his personal life and beliefs? Do you feel like you can relate to the actor? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to your family and friends.