Mark Wahlberg is shedding light on his rise in Hollywood. During a candid on-camera conversation with Marvin R. Shaken for Cigar Aficionado, the star of “The Fighter” delved into his transition from being an actor to becoming a producer, revealing that it all started “out of necessity.”
Wahlberg, who graces the upcoming cover of a men’s lifestyle magazine, opening on September 26, explained, “I ventured into producing because I didn’t want to be stuck waiting for established actors like Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, and others, including Leo DiCaprio, to pass on a movie before I could seize an opportunity.”
He continued, “So, I proactively sought out projects, looking for material that I could produce and that suited me. I wanted to take control and shape my own destiny.”
With an impressive list of over 40 producing credits, many of which feature him as the lead, such as “Father Stu,” “Instant Family,” and “Deepwater Horizon,” Wahlberg has established himself as a prominent figure in Hollywood production.
Further elaborating on his role as a producer, he emphasized, “Once your name is above the film’s title, you not only reap the rewards of its success but also shoulder the responsibility for its failure. If I’m going to be in that position, I’d rather be the one in control.” He added with a metaphor, “When you’re racing at a hundred miles an hour down a highway, do you want to be in the backseat or behind the wheel?”
In a related development, Mark Wahlberg disclosed that he relocated his family from Los Angeles to Nevada in pursuit of a better life. He noted that it provided him with more creative control over his work and allowed him to spend quality time with his loved ones. During an appearance on “The Talk” in October, he expressed his deep affection for being at home.
“Every free moment that I have, I’m at home,” said Wahlberg, who is married to Rhea Durham. Together, they have daughters Grace (13) and Ella (20), as well as sons Brendan (14) and Michael (17).
Moreover, the former Calvin Klein model unveiled his aspirations for Nevada, sharing his desire to see a bill passed that would grant tax credits for the state. He hopes to establish a state-of-the-art studio, effectively making Nevada a new epicenter for the film industry, or as he puts it, “Hollywood 2.0.” Wahlberg aims to work from home while contributing to the growth of the entertainment industry in the region.