Summary
Mark Wahlberg became a movie producer out of necessity, tired of playing second fiddle to established stars like Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt.
Wahlberg has achieved success as an executive producer, with noteworthy productions such as Entourage and Boardwalk Empire. His abilities in both acting and producing have demonstrated his capability to shape his own path in the film industry.
Mark Wahlberg shared with Cigar Aficionado Magazine that he transitioned into the role of a movie producer because he grew tired of constantly being overshadowed by mega-stars like Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. Initially known for his career as a rapper, Wahlberg made his way into the world of acting in the early 90s, with notable roles in Penny Marshall’s comedy film Renaissance Man and the psychological thriller Fear. By the 2010s, Wahlberg had established himself as a successful movie star, receiving numerous awards and building an impressive portfolio of films and television shows across various genres, both as an actor and as a producer.
In his interview, Wahlberg explained that he turned to movie production out of necessity. As he progressed in his acting career, he realized that he was continuously playing second fiddle to stars like Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and Leonardo DiCaprio. He often had to wait for these established actors to pass on roles before he could secure significant opportunities. Rather than idly waiting for opportunities to come his way, Wahlberg decided to take matters into his own hands and delve into the world of producing films. His complete comments can be found below.
I started my journey as a producer out of necessity. I had no interest in idly waiting for established actors like Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, or the reigning stars of the time, like Leo DiCaprio, to pass on a movie before I could have a chance at it. Instead, I took a proactive approach in sourcing material and projects that aligned with my creative vision, ultimately paving my own path and shaping my destiny.
Mark Wahlberg Has Found Success As A Producer
Wahlberg, known for his acting work, has also become a successful executive producer. His production journey began in 2004 with HBO's Entourage, where he served as an executive producer until its final season in 2011. The show's creator has expressed interest in a reboot if Wahlberg returns as a producer. The comedy series, loosely based on Wahlberg's own experiences, ran for 8 seasons and received numerous awards, including 28 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and 14 Golden Globe Award nominations.
In addition, Wahlberg served as an executive producer for Boardwalk Empire, a period crime television drama by Terence Winter. The series ran for 5 seasons from 2010 to 2014 and garnered an impressive 57 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, as well as a Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series - Drama in 2011. Wahlberg has expressed the possibility of retiring from acting, which would pave the way for more producing opportunities.
In addition to Entourage and Boardwalk Empire, Wahlberg has also served as executive producer on other shows including the sports comedy-drama Ballers and the documentary miniseries McMillions. Throughout his career, Wahlberg has consistently demonstrated his exceptional talent as an actor, while also showcasing his ability to achieve success as a producer, even when faced with losing out on certain roles.