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Mark Wahlberg and former model Rhea Durham have been married since 2009.
Interview: Patricia Danaher
With “Father Stu” in March he wanted to attract believing Christians to the cinemas. Mark Wahlberg’s (51) mission didn’t quite work out. The biographical film, about an ex-boxer who begins a second career as a Catholic priest, only grossed a total of $21 million in theaters. Wahlberg has now decided on a very unusual action for Hollywood: He is bringing his film to the cinemas again, slightly adapted – under the slightly different title “Father Stu Reborn”.
Belly instead of six pack: Mark Wahlberg gains 10 pounds in 3 weeks(00:40)
Mr. Wahlberg, what are your hopes for the new version of «Father Stu»?
Mark Wahlberg: A lot of parents have told me they didn’t see the movie with their kids because it was an 17+ movie because of all the swear words. And it would be a shame and a sin if they didn’t get the chance! That’s why the new version is now available.
And is it better suited for children’s ears?
I agree. We cut out a good 200 lewd words.
Personal: Mark Wahlberg
Mark Wahlberg is one of Hollywood’s top actors. He was born in Boston on June 5, 1971, the youngest of nine children. He became known in 1991 as a rapper, later as a model for Calvin Klein. He then switched to the film business and had his breakthrough as an actor in the tragic comedy “Boogie Nights” (1997). He was nominated for an Oscar for his role in The Departed (2006). Wahlberg has been living with model Rhea Durham (44) since 2001. They have four children. Wahlberg is a devout Catholic. «Religion is the most important thing in my life. Then my children come, then golf,” he says.
Mark Wahlberg is one of Hollywood’s top actors. He was born in Boston on June 5, 1971, the youngest of nine children. He became known in 1991 as a rapper, later as a model for Calvin Klein. He then switched to the film business and had his breakthrough as an actor in the tragic comedy “Boogie Nights” (1997). He was nominated for an Oscar for his role in The Departed (2006). Wahlberg has been living with model Rhea Durham (44) since 2001. They have four children. Wahlberg is a devout Catholic. «Religion is the most important thing in my life. Then my children come, then golf,” he says.
What attracted you to this film theme so much that you even produced it yourself?
When I heard Father Stu’s story, it felt like a purpose to get it out there. My faith has brought me to a point in my life where I want to use movies like this to do God’s work.
What do you mean exactly?
I want to help people root more deeply in their faith. Not everyone is born to be a preacher, but we can all do our part to bring people closer to God. In my case, with the help of films that have the right message. Of course, I really hope that God is a movie buff (laughs).
Why did you put so many unchristian swear words in the film anyway?
Because that language was so important in showing how far Stu had traveled to enlightenment. Even the archbishop who ordained Stu saw that, at least after seeing the film.
You had to gain 15 kilos for your role…
… which was torture. As you get older, it becomes really difficult to shed the extra pounds. I walked around with a belly for another nine months, which really wasn’t fun. I actually wanted to get my old body back much sooner, but then I got Covid. It was a real nightmare.
Anyone who follows you on social media knows how much self-discipline you use to maintain your well-toned body. Wasn’t it fun for you to let yourself go?
I honestly was really looking forward to being able to eat whatever I wanted. The plan required me to eat 7,000 calories a day for the first two weeks and 11,000 calories a day for the next four weeks. With lots of proteins and starchy foods. Unfortunately, it sounded better than it ended up being.
How so?
The first meal was a giant steak with potatoes and all the trimmings. That was great. I was still full when there was a knock on my door and I was supposed to eat meal number 2. After that it just went downhill with the joy, it was to the point of depression.
Stu’s mother had a huge impact on his life. How much has your own mother influenced you?
My mom always wanted us kids to be good, productive people. That made her happy. You and my father have always been proud of my career. But what mattered most to them was how I grew as a person. And also how our kids develop.
What do you value most when raising children?
I wanted to give my kids all the things I never had. And then to realize that material things are not that important to them. You just don’t know any different. The most important thing for me and for her is that I am always there for her, love her and support her.
Is the film also interesting for people who are not religious?
In any case. Especially during the last few years of the pandemic, so much focus has been placed on the negative. This film has a positive message. It says that anyone can get a second chance at life – no matter how low on the ground you are.
What is the biggest advantage of being able to produce your own films?
That I’m in control (laughs). I need creative control. My motto is: If we’re already speeding down the highway at 300 km/h, I want to be behind the wheel and not in the passenger seat. If you then go down, you have to answer for it yourself.