Sunday, February 26, 2012
Ted in Theaters on July 13
"Ted", a live action/computer-animated comedy starring Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis and Seth MacFarlane will be released on July 13 according to an article from Swampscott Patch.
Mark Wahlberg wants to golf and visit Australia with his family when he retires
Mark talks about his retirement plans in this article from Belfast Telegraph
Mark Wahlberg hopes he can "retire to play golf" before long.
The American actor enjoys making movies but would also like to have more time to relax. He used to wind down by playing golf but soon realised it was beginning to interfere with other aspects of his life.
"I do [like golf], I don't play as much any more. It's a tough game. I was actually getting good and then I realised I can't make a living out of this so I should focus on my day job," he laughed. "Hopefully if things continue to go good with my day job I can retire and play golf."
Mark was speaking to an Australian radio show while in the country to promote his latest release Contraband.
He was on a tight schedule and was on staying Down Under for one night. The 40-year-old hopes to spend longer there with his wife and four children in the future.
"I can't wait to one day come here with my wife and kids and see the place on vacation. Last time I was here I was with Will Ferrell and we got a little bit more time to do things, we played golf and a little bit more time to do things, we played golf and a couple of other things," he explained.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Mark Wahlberg interview with Dirt TV
Here is a short clip of Mark being interviewed by Dirt TV. He is asked about how he gets into his movie roles and working with Justin Bieber.
The Australian article about Mark Wahlberg
This article by The Australian, talks about Mark's role in TV and film production.
HOLLYWOOD studios have largely weened themselves off the generous production deals they once had with "talent".
It became untenable to sweeten deals with actors by allowing them to produce their pet films on the studio lot.
Few actors, or even directors, could reliably provide commercial ideas for the studios. They're safer as salaried workers, no matter how high the salary. Indeed, the major Hollywood studios today are more distributors than producers, looking to offload even the risk of financing responsibilities if they can.
Many, though, would like the deal that Mark Wahlberg has. The former rapper and Calvin Klein model has fashioned a relationship with powerful US cable television channel and studio HBO that has proven extremely successful for both parties.
His company, Closest to the Hole Productions (Wahlberg is an avid and accomplished golfer), persisted in pushing the Hollywood satire Entourage to HBO. It concluded its eighth and final season last year.
His company adapted an Israeli TV series set in a psychiatrist's office as In Treatment -- in the process launching the career of Aussie Mia Wasikowska -- and has produced three successful series. Wahlberg's production company also produced the comedic drama How to Make It in America for HBO, and most recently was a co-producer on the high-profile Prohibition drama co-produced by Martin Scorsese, Boardwalk Empire.
Wahlberg has a litany of film roles to his credit, including last year's Oscar winner The Fighter and this week's release Contraband, although increasingly they seem to be merely providing the pay cheques to underwrite his producing work.
"Every film I do I put the same kind of passion and commitment and dedication into," Wahlberg says. "Hopefully all of them succeed, but producing obviously gives you a little bit more control creatively."
He says his production career has "worked itself out" due largely to his "great partnership with HBO". So many creatives try to manufacture production careers that allow them more control over their choices. But few succeed with such regularity.
It could be argued that George Clooney is another with his off-screen successes, although he scratches hard for them. And truly, Adam Sandler's continuing commercial success churning out wan comedies for Sony Pictures is inexplicable. So what's Wahlberg's secret?
"Well, we're very hands on," he says of his producing partner, Stephen Levinson. "This is not a vanity deal. We kind of get out there, roll up our sleeves and get involved in every aspect of it. And we've been fortunate to partner up with really great people both in front of and behind the camera."
Wahlberg has timed his run perfectly. His move into production coincided with a boom in American drama on cable TV, sparked largely by HBO's investment and success with series such as The Sopranos, Deadwood, The Wire and Sex and the City and now Luck, the new series produced by Dustin Hoffman, Hill St Blue's David Milch and Heat's Michael Mann, and later replicated by cable channels including AMC (Mad Men, Breaking Bad), FX (Sons of Anarchy, American Horror Story), Starz (Spartacus, Camelot) and Showtime (Dexter, Weeds, Homeland).
Cable TV drama has not only usurped free-to-air network drama in the US, it has become a more creative sphere than feature filmmaking. "They've been doing some great stuff and now you get guys like Scorsese and Michael Mann working there, everybody's flocking there," Wahlberg says.
He suggests the secret to his TV success is "working with really talented people" and a cable network that is "not like a regular major network where it's all about the ratings and the numbers".
"Once HBO know they're starting to build a following they will support you and help you to grow the program," he says. Such persistence has built a golden age for TV drama. "Yeah, there's a lot of amazing things going on in television while a lot of film stuff seems to be pretty uninspired," Wahlberg says.
"There's a lot of franchises and superheroes and that sort of thing," he says of cinema.
"People spending big money to chase the big money. But hopefully they will be able to inspire each other and better storytelling will come out of it."
To be fair, Contraband is not the best piece of storytelling out there, although it has an energetic style. And it comes from an odd place. It is a remake, not of the Powell and Pressburger spy drama of 1940 but of one of Iceland's biggest films, Reykjavik-Rotterdam.
Contraband uses the old "one last heist" trope within the world of international shipping. Former smuggler Chris Farraday (Wahlberg) is forced back into the game when his brother-in-law stuffs up his own drug run.
There follows a run from New Orleans to Panama City and back with a strong cast (including Kate Beckinsale, Lukas Haas and Giovanni Ribisi) and good action.
Wahlberg admits to looking for different things as an actor and "I try to find roles I think people would enjoy seeing me in."
"I'm definitely still being selfish in wanting to choose the kind of roles that I think will serve me and help me grow as an actor," he says.
That manifests itself in very masculine roles and characters. No one would be surprised that his next few co-stars include Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe and Dwayne Johnson. There are no soft musicals on his dance card.
Indeed, with his burgeoning production and business interests, there should not even be as much acting on his dance card. He foresees slowing down on screen "at some point".
"Obviously acting is my first love, but it's very time-consuming and demands me to be away from my family for a long stretch of time," he says. "So at some point I'd like to do less acting and more producing along with my other business interests."
The business includes a hamburger restaurant with his brother and "a bunch of other businesses we're launching: beverage business, health and wellness vitamin supplements, protein powders, recovery drinks, all that stuff, restaurant business, real estate, all types of different things."
And of course, directing.
"I would love to direct," he says. "I'm just waiting for the right time and waiting for the right project."
That's an actor's standard line though. So how close? "Fairly," he adds, with little hesitation. And you have to believe him. He makes his time count.
HOLLYWOOD studios have largely weened themselves off the generous production deals they once had with "talent".
It became untenable to sweeten deals with actors by allowing them to produce their pet films on the studio lot.
Few actors, or even directors, could reliably provide commercial ideas for the studios. They're safer as salaried workers, no matter how high the salary. Indeed, the major Hollywood studios today are more distributors than producers, looking to offload even the risk of financing responsibilities if they can.
Many, though, would like the deal that Mark Wahlberg has. The former rapper and Calvin Klein model has fashioned a relationship with powerful US cable television channel and studio HBO that has proven extremely successful for both parties.
His company, Closest to the Hole Productions (Wahlberg is an avid and accomplished golfer), persisted in pushing the Hollywood satire Entourage to HBO. It concluded its eighth and final season last year.
His company adapted an Israeli TV series set in a psychiatrist's office as In Treatment -- in the process launching the career of Aussie Mia Wasikowska -- and has produced three successful series. Wahlberg's production company also produced the comedic drama How to Make It in America for HBO, and most recently was a co-producer on the high-profile Prohibition drama co-produced by Martin Scorsese, Boardwalk Empire.
Wahlberg has a litany of film roles to his credit, including last year's Oscar winner The Fighter and this week's release Contraband, although increasingly they seem to be merely providing the pay cheques to underwrite his producing work.
"Every film I do I put the same kind of passion and commitment and dedication into," Wahlberg says. "Hopefully all of them succeed, but producing obviously gives you a little bit more control creatively."
He says his production career has "worked itself out" due largely to his "great partnership with HBO". So many creatives try to manufacture production careers that allow them more control over their choices. But few succeed with such regularity.
It could be argued that George Clooney is another with his off-screen successes, although he scratches hard for them. And truly, Adam Sandler's continuing commercial success churning out wan comedies for Sony Pictures is inexplicable. So what's Wahlberg's secret?
"Well, we're very hands on," he says of his producing partner, Stephen Levinson. "This is not a vanity deal. We kind of get out there, roll up our sleeves and get involved in every aspect of it. And we've been fortunate to partner up with really great people both in front of and behind the camera."
Wahlberg has timed his run perfectly. His move into production coincided with a boom in American drama on cable TV, sparked largely by HBO's investment and success with series such as The Sopranos, Deadwood, The Wire and Sex and the City and now Luck, the new series produced by Dustin Hoffman, Hill St Blue's David Milch and Heat's Michael Mann, and later replicated by cable channels including AMC (Mad Men, Breaking Bad), FX (Sons of Anarchy, American Horror Story), Starz (Spartacus, Camelot) and Showtime (Dexter, Weeds, Homeland).
Cable TV drama has not only usurped free-to-air network drama in the US, it has become a more creative sphere than feature filmmaking. "They've been doing some great stuff and now you get guys like Scorsese and Michael Mann working there, everybody's flocking there," Wahlberg says.
He suggests the secret to his TV success is "working with really talented people" and a cable network that is "not like a regular major network where it's all about the ratings and the numbers".
"Once HBO know they're starting to build a following they will support you and help you to grow the program," he says. Such persistence has built a golden age for TV drama. "Yeah, there's a lot of amazing things going on in television while a lot of film stuff seems to be pretty uninspired," Wahlberg says.
"There's a lot of franchises and superheroes and that sort of thing," he says of cinema.
"People spending big money to chase the big money. But hopefully they will be able to inspire each other and better storytelling will come out of it."
To be fair, Contraband is not the best piece of storytelling out there, although it has an energetic style. And it comes from an odd place. It is a remake, not of the Powell and Pressburger spy drama of 1940 but of one of Iceland's biggest films, Reykjavik-Rotterdam.
Contraband uses the old "one last heist" trope within the world of international shipping. Former smuggler Chris Farraday (Wahlberg) is forced back into the game when his brother-in-law stuffs up his own drug run.
There follows a run from New Orleans to Panama City and back with a strong cast (including Kate Beckinsale, Lukas Haas and Giovanni Ribisi) and good action.
Wahlberg admits to looking for different things as an actor and "I try to find roles I think people would enjoy seeing me in."
"I'm definitely still being selfish in wanting to choose the kind of roles that I think will serve me and help me grow as an actor," he says.
That manifests itself in very masculine roles and characters. No one would be surprised that his next few co-stars include Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe and Dwayne Johnson. There are no soft musicals on his dance card.
Indeed, with his burgeoning production and business interests, there should not even be as much acting on his dance card. He foresees slowing down on screen "at some point".
"Obviously acting is my first love, but it's very time-consuming and demands me to be away from my family for a long stretch of time," he says. "So at some point I'd like to do less acting and more producing along with my other business interests."
The business includes a hamburger restaurant with his brother and "a bunch of other businesses we're launching: beverage business, health and wellness vitamin supplements, protein powders, recovery drinks, all that stuff, restaurant business, real estate, all types of different things."
And of course, directing.
"I would love to direct," he says. "I'm just waiting for the right time and waiting for the right project."
That's an actor's standard line though. So how close? "Fairly," he adds, with little hesitation. And you have to believe him. He makes his time count.
Watch Mark Wahlberg's Interview with the 2day Network
Kyle and Jackie O from the 2day Network recorded an interview with Mark. Check out the video below:
Listen to Mark Wahlberg on Nova 106.9
Here is an interview Mark did with Brisbane breakfast team Ash, Kip & Luttsy on Nova 106.9:
Stuff.co.nz article: No more partying for Marky Mark
In this article from Stuff.co.nz, Mark talks about quitting drugs and getting his tattoos removed.
Mark Wahlberg, once best known for posing in his Calvin Klein underpants, is happy that his partying days are behind him.
The star has a colourful past, having been in trouble with the law and dabbled in drugs. He has now settled down with his wife Rhea Durham and their four children and is glad to have put those times behind him.
"It's the right thing to do. I have a beautiful family and I wouldn't do anything to mess it up. I had a pretty damn good run. I have friends who still keep the torch lit," he laughed.
"I am lucky I survived it, there is a lot of negative stuff that comes along with that lifestyle as well. I'm glad that I was able to experience it and move on and live my life like a senior citizen."
Wahlberg used to smoke marijuana in his youth but stopped when he had a family. He's hinted he went to great lengths to ensure he could smoke no matter where he was in the world.
"No, it's a nice relief to know you're not smuggling marijuana since I've given it up," he told the Kyle and Jackie O radio show, when asked if he gets nervous going through airport security. "And even when I did smoke the marijuana I used to make [my friends] bring it anyway. We used to, I don't any more. I've given up because I have children. I'd wrap it up, seal it up..."
Wahlberg recently hit the headlines when he admitted getting his tattoos removed for the sake of his kids. He's been taking some of the youngsters with him so they can see the process.
One of the star's friends has also accompanied him, which he is less happy about.
"If you get a tattoo you do it in one sitting usually, you sit there and drink a couple of beers... I've been to the removal over 30 times already. It's like hot baking grease getting flicked on you over and over," he said.
"My friend has been with me almost every time to the tattoo removal place and he's obsessed with getting this two-headed dragon all the way down his arm and around his back and I've said I would love to pay for that for you, then in five years..."
Contraband on DVD and Blue Ray April 24, 2012
Contraband will be released on DVD and Blue Ray on April 24, 2012! Click on the links below to pre-order.
Click here to order Contraband on DVD
Click here to order Contraband on Two-Disc Combo Pack: Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet
Q & A with Mark Wahlberg
Mark did a webchat with Entertainment.ie, and here is the transcript:
Artur Urban
Can you tell us anything about your future film Broken City ?
Mark Wahlberg
Just that we just finished shooting. Takes place in NYC. Russell Crowe plays the mayor. Catherine Z Jones plays his wife. I play a detective.
Jen
If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would say to them?
Mark Wahlberg
It would have to be with Jesus and I would tell him take me with you.
Yvonne
Do your kids have any interest in stepping into your actor's shoes?
Mark Wahlberg
I hope not. I would like them to become real professional people. But we will see what happens.
Slawek
the worst rumour about you?
Mark Wahlberg
I don't know.
Jude
Any plans to direct?
Mark Wahlberg
Yes. In the near future.
Captain
Do you enjoy the travel associated with promoting movies?
Mark Wahlberg
Sometimes but it is hard being away from my family.
Will
Are you going to be around town today or are you on a tight schedule?
Mark Wahlberg
Unfortunately on a very tight schedule.
Aaron
What did Bale eat during the filming of The Fighter?
Mark Wahlberg
Crack. No he didn't eat much of anything.
@Seleza
#AskWahlberg Did he ever wish he was a member of NKOTB?
Mark Wahlberg
No. Maybe when I was in jail.
Ann
Have you watched any of the Oscar short movies?
Mark Wahlberg
I haven't. But I will.
Patricia
What's the most annoying question you've ever been asked? (apart from this one!!) :)
Mark Wahlberg
There are so many. Australia wouldn't stop asking why I was removing my tattoos. (does Aussie impression)
Claire
The Fighter was excellent. Did you spend time with Micky Ward before making it?
Mark Wahlberg
Of course the guy lived in my house! We spent lots of time together.
kate
do u do your own stunts?
Mark Wahlberg
Only when asked to.
Jennifer
The Oscars are coming up on Sunday - are you rooting for any film in particular?
Mark Wahlberg
I know who is going to win all the awards. The Artist will scoop. Viola Davis will win and Octavia Spencer too. Christopher Plummer. Clooney and Streep have a shot.
Patricia
What's your favourite movie? :)
Mark Wahlberg
Head Hunters. It's a new movie.
Slawek
Why u decided to be an actor?
Mark Wahlberg
Because the toe truck job wasn't paying much.
miriam
what's your favorite pizza topping??
Mark Wahlberg
Pepperoni. Not a big pizza eater!
Eve
Did your time in jail change your whole attitude to life?
Mark Wahlberg
If that doesn't change you then there is something wrong!
A
Who'd win in a fight? You in the fighter or DeNiro in Raging Bull?
Mark Wahlberg
Micky!
Karl
What made you choose Adrian Grenier over Colin Egglesfield for the part of Vincent Chase?
Mark Wahlberg
Who's Egglesfield? I wanted him but everyone else wanted Grenier.
Brian
Will there be an Ari Gold spin off?
Mark Wahlberg
No.
Damien
Would you ever consider a role in a sitcom? 2 or 3 episodes as a guest star?
Mark Wahlberg
Maybe.
Brian
Was it difficult to find the right actor for Ari Gold?
Mark Wahlberg
Jeremy Piven was always the only choice.
jiffy
Has there been any development on the Departed sequel?
Mark Wahlberg
No.
Jane
Why are you getting your tattoos removed?
Mark Wahlberg
For both personal and professional reasons.
Michael
Was other guys as much fun to make as it was to watch ?
Mark Wahlberg
More fun it really was. That was a movie that we had the best time making. I started out shy and it just encourages you to get crazy. Once you get crazy you can't stop! Total chaos the whole time. Really fun movie.
Louise
I believe you have a tattoo of Bob Marley, doy uo have more? Intend to get more?
Mark Wahlberg
No I'm actually removing all my tattoos. Don't get tattoos. (He's showing his tattoos to us now)
Craigy Craig
Who would win in a Wahlberg, Damon, Affleck Boston smackdown?
Mark Wahlberg
Please.
Artur Urban
What is the most hardest part in acting?
Mark Wahlberg
Probably just the amount of time that it takes to make a movie. The schedule. 12 15 hour days and shoots.
Dean Arrowsmith
After the success of Entourage and the underrated How To Make It In America, have you any other tv projects lined up?
Mark Wahlberg
Yes. Quite a few. Couple that we are close to shooting.
Rusty
Giovanni Ribisi is kind of terrifying in Contraband, & always seems quite intense on screen - what's he like to work with, is he method?
Mark Wahlberg
He is a method actor but he is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet so it's fun to see him go from that to turning on this character.
Brid
U said you dont't do sequels, why not?
Mark Wahlberg
Well if you can make it better than the original movie I'd be interested. But the scripts have never been that good. I really feel if it can't be as good or better then it is not worth it!
Yvonne
Are you a Father Ted fan?
Mark Wahlberg
Never heard of it!
Turtle
Do you hope to work more with your brother Donnie in future? Anything lined up?
Mark Wahlberg
We may work together in the future but nothing lined up right now.
paul
if u could change one thing about urself what would it be and why?
Mark Wahlberg
The ability to change more than one thing.
Ross
Will there be a max Payne 2 in ur future ?
Mark Wahlberg
Not in my future. I don't do sequels. I haven't so far.
Will
Any chance of Entourage coming back?
Mark Wahlberg
No. It became far too expensive. Never thought they would get there.
JB
What was the most challenging role for you as an actor so far in your career?
Mark Wahlberg
They were all challenging in different ways.
kate
what irish actors and directors working today do u admire?
Mark Wahlberg
Um Jim Sheridan. John Moore. Gabriel Byrne. Fionnula Flanagan. She's a sweetheart.
danny
whos your favourite irish person?
Mark Wahlberg
That's a tough question. Probably Father James Flavin.
Artur
who is your favourite actor? and why?
Mark Wahlberg
James Cagney. Because he reminds me of my Dad.
Melanie Farrell
Actress you would most like to co-star?
Mark Wahlberg
Meryl Streep.
Louise
Whats your favourite junk food?
Mark Wahlberg
Ghiradelli chocolates with caramel inside.
Conor
You've played as a boxer and a football player. Favorite sport?
Mark Wahlberg
To play right now it's Golf. I love boxing, football, basketball, baseball and hockey.
SethMcFarlane Fan
Have heard brilliant things about this new movie with SethMcFarlane - TED - tell us more about it!!!!!
Mark Wahlberg
It's the sickest movie ever. It's so crazy. That's it! Very very offensive as well. It's so out there. My wife saw it and was like what the hell is this. She loved it though. He really pushes the envelope.
Amy H
If you could pick any 3 locations in the world to film in which would you pick and why?
Mark Wahlberg
LA - I live there. Barbados and I'd like to make a Golf movie here in Ireland.
Sadhbh
Wanna go for pint?
Mark Wahlberg
I don't know when I will be able to go out with all this work. I would love to though.
Martin
what is the worst job you ever did
Mark Wahlberg
Um I had a lot of bad jobs. Actually working in the kitchen in jail. That was the worst.
Jennifer
Do you ever miss the music career and would you ever do it again?
Mark Wahlberg
No and no.
Brid
Have you tried a pint of Guinness yet?
Mark Wahlberg
Later today!
Trevor
Would u like to play in musical and sing?
Mark Wahlberg
Absolutely not I hate musicals!
@ItsMe_C_
Out of all the characters he has potrayed, who has he identified with the most? #AskWahlberg
Mark Wahlberg
Probably Micky Ward
Kate
are you going to make a movie about whitey bulger
Mark Wahlberg
No. it doesn't work no.
@GT2o1o
#askWahlberg Whats your favourite type of exercise??
Mark Wahlberg
Sleep!
Louise
Whos your hero?
Mark Wahlberg
Jesus.
Dolphin Dan
The Departed is a cracking movie. What was it like to work with legends like Nicholson, Di Caprio and Scorcese?
Mark Wahlberg
Overrated
Amy
As a producer, what kind of projects do you seek out and how involved are you as a producer?
Mark Wahlberg
Um I am looking for all kinds of different projects. If it's a film I'm far more involved than a TV show.
Eve
Where did your nickname Monk D come from?
Mark Wahlberg
My brother Donnie.
Eve
Where did your nickname Monk D come from?
Mark Wahlberg
My brother Donnie.
Artur
How long will you stay in dublin? and where is your next destination?
Mark Wahlberg
We leave in the morning to go to Paris.
@shauna_brennan
#AskWahlberg Has writing for the Entourage film begun yet? from @Emma_Synnott +
Mark Wahlberg
Yes. I'm waiting for the script!
John
What was your most favourite movie to make?
Mark Wahlberg
My favourite movie was probably Broken City which hasn't come out yet with Catherine Zeta Jones.
Sarah
Do you like mixed martial arts as well?
Mark Wahlberg
Yes!
Paul March
How was producing it as well. The Extra workload
Mark Wahlberg
It's easy I want to be able to have creative control anyway so.
James
If you could pick an actor to play you in a movie about your life who would it be?
Mark Wahlberg
Steve McQueen
Laura
What was it like working with Kate Beckinsale?
Mark Wahlberg
It was lovely. She's so easy to get along with and very commited to the work. Her first day she had to be wrapped up in plastic and wrapped up in cement!
Mike
Why did you want to remake this?
Mark Wahlberg
I just saw the original and I thought it was fresh and original take on the heist thriller and I thought the way it was executed was interesting. There is a shortage of itneresting different movies coming out of Hollywood. It was a treat!
Mark Wahlberg's Oscar Predictions
Here is an article from CTV.ca about who Mark believes who will win at the Academy Awards this Sunday.
Mark Wahlberg claims he knows who's going to win at the Oscars.
The 'Contraband' star will be in Paris on Sunday when the Academy Awards will take place, but already knows the winners through his connections.
He predicts the 'The Artist' will take the coveted Best Picture prize - the biggest of the night - while its lead male, Jean Dujardin will beat competition from Demian Bichir, George Clooney, Gary Oldman and Brad Pitt to take the Best Actor prize.
He told The Huffington Post U.K.: "It's not a matter of who I want to win, it's who I know is going to win."
When asked by the website how he knew the results, he replied: "Because I've got a friend at PriceWaterhouse," referring to PwC, the professional services company which provides auditing services to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, meaning it is the certifier of votes for the Oscars, a role it has held since 1934.
Mark went on to say 'The Help' will be a big winner with Viola Davis winning Best Actress and Octavia Spencer winning for Best Supporting Actress.
He added: "Christopher Plummer will win for Best Supporting Actor and the team behind 'Transformers' will win for best sound editing, and 'Hugo' - they will win Best Costume, Production and Cinematography."
Film fans will be able to find out if Mark is bluffing or not when the Oscars take place at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood on Sunday night.
Herald.ie report on Mark Wahlberg in Dublin
Here is an article from Herald.ie about Mark's short stay in Dublin.
HOLLYWOOD star Mark Wahlberg may have been here for just 24 hours -- but the A-lister managed to fit in a red carpet appearance and a lavish dinner with tycoon Dermot Desmond.
The Fighter star spent last night being wined and dined by the businessman after greeting fans at the premier of his new film Contraband.
The Boston native hit the red carpet at the Savoy Cinema for the final leg of the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival.
He was greeted by hundreds of fans on O'Connell Street screaming his name -- and they were thrilled when he took time out to sign autographs and have his picture taken with them.
At the premiere he also revealed he was looking forward to enjoying a pint of Guinness. Minutes later the star was driven out to meet Mr Desmond.
The Herald can reveal that Wahlberg (40) was driven straight to Mr Desmond's Merrion Square home after attending the premiere. Mr Desmond then whisked Mark off to popular Stephen's Green restaurant Shanahan's.
Holiday
Earlier the movie star told the Herald he's planning on bringing his family to Dublin for a golfing trip soon.
He said that although his great- grandmother is from Ireland, he has never spent time here and says he's hoping to bring the Wahlberg clan over for a holiday.
Watch a clip of Mark Wahlberg on the Graham Norton Show
In this preview clip of Mark Wahlberg on the Graham Norton Show he talks about the possibility of being in a movie with Justin Bieber and what stars his daughter likes.
Video courtesy of BBCAmericaTV
Video courtesy of BBCAmericaTV
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Mark Wahlberg's interview with The Age (Australia)
TheAge.com.au did an interview with Mark. They talk to him about Contraband, would he be interested in doing a musical, his brother Robert's career, does he cry when watching movies, which of his movies does he consider stinkers, a possible Entourage movie, and more!
Click here to watch!
Click here to watch!
Mark Wahlberg article from Stuff.co.nz
Here is an article from Stuff.co.nz:
No more partying for Marky Mark
Mark Wahlberg, once best known for posing in his Calvin Klein underpants, is happy that his partying days are behind him.
The star has a colourful past, having been in trouble with the law and dabbled in drugs. He has now settled down with his wife Rhea Durham and their four children and is glad to have put those times behind him.
"It's the right thing to do. I have a beautiful family and I wouldn't do anything to mess it up. I had a pretty damn good run. I have friends who still keep the torch lit," he laughed.
"I am lucky I survived it, there is a lot of negative stuff that comes along with that lifestyle as well. I'm glad that I was able to experience it and move on and live my life like a senior citizen."
Wahlberg used to smoke marijuana in his youth but stopped when he had a family. He's hinted he went to great lengths to ensure he could smoke no matter where he was in the world.
"No, it's a nice relief to know you're not smuggling marijuana since I've given it up," he told the Kyle and Jackie O radio show, when asked if he gets nervous going through airport security. "And even when I did smoke the marijuana I used to make [my friends] bring it anyway. We used to, I don't any more. I've given up because I have children. I'd wrap it up, seal it up..."
Wahlberg recently hit the headlines when he admitted getting his tattoos removed for the sake of his kids. He's been taking some of the youngsters with him so they can see the process.
One of the star's friends has also accompanied him, which he is less happy about.
"If you get a tattoo you do it in one sitting usually, you sit there and drink a couple of beers... I've been to the removal over 30 times already. It's like hot baking grease getting flicked on you over and over," he said.
"My friend has been with me almost every time to the tattoo removal place and he's obsessed with getting this two-headed dragon all the way down his arm and around his back and I've said I would love to pay for that for you, then in five years..."
- Cover Media
No more partying for Marky Mark
Mark Wahlberg, once best known for posing in his Calvin Klein underpants, is happy that his partying days are behind him.
The star has a colourful past, having been in trouble with the law and dabbled in drugs. He has now settled down with his wife Rhea Durham and their four children and is glad to have put those times behind him.
"It's the right thing to do. I have a beautiful family and I wouldn't do anything to mess it up. I had a pretty damn good run. I have friends who still keep the torch lit," he laughed.
"I am lucky I survived it, there is a lot of negative stuff that comes along with that lifestyle as well. I'm glad that I was able to experience it and move on and live my life like a senior citizen."
Wahlberg used to smoke marijuana in his youth but stopped when he had a family. He's hinted he went to great lengths to ensure he could smoke no matter where he was in the world.
"No, it's a nice relief to know you're not smuggling marijuana since I've given it up," he told the Kyle and Jackie O radio show, when asked if he gets nervous going through airport security. "And even when I did smoke the marijuana I used to make [my friends] bring it anyway. We used to, I don't any more. I've given up because I have children. I'd wrap it up, seal it up..."
Wahlberg recently hit the headlines when he admitted getting his tattoos removed for the sake of his kids. He's been taking some of the youngsters with him so they can see the process.
One of the star's friends has also accompanied him, which he is less happy about.
"If you get a tattoo you do it in one sitting usually, you sit there and drink a couple of beers... I've been to the removal over 30 times already. It's like hot baking grease getting flicked on you over and over," he said.
"My friend has been with me almost every time to the tattoo removal place and he's obsessed with getting this two-headed dragon all the way down his arm and around his back and I've said I would love to pay for that for you, then in five years..."
- Cover Media
Mark Wahlberg interviewed by The Hot Hits
Mark talks about doing a movie with Justin Bieber in this article from The Hot Hits:
Mark Wahlberg's new film Contraband hits cinemas this week, and we sent Renee Peterson out in LA to chat to Mark and his co-stars about their action packed new movie.
Luckily for all you Bieber addicts out there, Renee managed to sneak in a couple of questions about Mark's upcoming film project with Justin Bieber! And Mark was more than happy to talk about it.
Mark told thehothits.com, "We're developing a script right now. That's another thing. I'm calling writer after writer after writer telling them to hurry up with the scripts.
"We're hoping to do a movie together, a drama, where I kind of play a reluctant mentor to him in an inner city environment."
And unfortunately Mark doesn't have any big dance routines planned -- we would have loved to see Marky Mark and the Biebs rock out together.
"No, not on my behalf," he said.
But Mark thinks that Justin is going to be amazing in the film.
"But you know what, people are gonna be really surprised at how good he's gonna be in this movie," Mark said.
Contraband is in Australian cinemas on February 23.
Mark Wahlberg's new film Contraband hits cinemas this week, and we sent Renee Peterson out in LA to chat to Mark and his co-stars about their action packed new movie.
Luckily for all you Bieber addicts out there, Renee managed to sneak in a couple of questions about Mark's upcoming film project with Justin Bieber! And Mark was more than happy to talk about it.
Mark told thehothits.com, "We're developing a script right now. That's another thing. I'm calling writer after writer after writer telling them to hurry up with the scripts.
"We're hoping to do a movie together, a drama, where I kind of play a reluctant mentor to him in an inner city environment."
And unfortunately Mark doesn't have any big dance routines planned -- we would have loved to see Marky Mark and the Biebs rock out together.
"No, not on my behalf," he said.
But Mark thinks that Justin is going to be amazing in the film.
"But you know what, people are gonna be really surprised at how good he's gonna be in this movie," Mark said.
Contraband is in Australian cinemas on February 23.
Listen to Mark Wahlberg on The Rock FM
Mark Wahlberg had an interview with The Rock FM in New Zealand:
Click here to listen!
Click here to listen!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Watch Mark Wahlberg on Sunrise (Australia)
Here is the video of Mark Wahlberg on Sunrise. He talks about doing quality movies, his childhood, helping kids, his mentor and more.
Mark Wahlberg to attend The Jameson Dublin International Film Festival
Mark Wahlberg will be attending The Jameson Dublin International Film Festival this Friday. Also, Entertainment.ie is hosting a question and answer session with Mark on Friday, February 24 at noon.
You can ask him a question by sending a Tweet to @entertainmentie with the hashtag #AskWahlberg and questions will be answered on the Movie News section of their site.
You can ask him a question by sending a Tweet to @entertainmentie with the hashtag #AskWahlberg and questions will be answered on the Movie News section of their site.
New article about Mark Wahlberg from the Daily Mail
The Daily Mail (UK) has a new article about Mark taking his kids with him to get his tattoos removed.
He often talks of how he makes his children aware of their heritage by taking them to see his old neighbourhood in Boston.
Now Mark Wahlberg is taking his role as a model father one step further by making sure his kids accompany him to get his tattoos removed.
The actor revealed that as he attempts to cut down on time in the makeup chair while artists try to cover up his inkings for film roles, his offspring are learning his lessons with him.
The 40-year-old – who has four little ones with wife Rhea Durham – told Today that his eldest two watch him suffer as he is in the process of somewhat erasing his tattoos.
He said: ‘[All the tattoos] have meaning to me, but it’s both personal and professional. I don’t want my kids getting tattoos. And I wanted them to be [removed] by the time I did The Fighter because putting make-up on and covering them up has always been a pain in the butt.’
He continued: ‘I’ve taken my two older kids to the procedure so they see how painful it is and what I have to go through.'
The star’s etchings don’t only get in the way of his work but hold significant reminders of his troubled past.
The former drug addict claims to have been in trouble with the law an astonishing 20 to 25 times.
Incidents include racially motivated attacks, which have seen him charged with attempted murder and serving two years in a Correction House jail.
The former rapper’s first tattoo was done unprofessionally as a teenager and he claims the image of a shamrock on his ankle was crooked so had Tweety Bird placed over it after moving to Los Angeles.
The rest include a design of his initials ‘MW’ with his surname on his upper right arm, a Bob Marley tattoo with song title One Love on his upper left arm and one which the Roman Catholic holds as his most meaningful.
Mark has a rosary tattooed around his neck, with a crucifix and the words ‘In God I Trust’ resting over his heart.
The dad to Ella Ray, eight, Michael, five, Brendan Joseph, three, and Grace Margaret, two, spoke about his markings last month on The Late Show With David Letterman.
He confessed that initially he was told it would take eight to ten laser treatments however he required over 30 and is still in the process of getting them removed.
In a 2011 interview with USA Weekend, Wahlberg stated that he had taken his children to visit his old south Boston neighbourhood, saying 'I want them to know that not everyone is as fortunate and how important it is to work hard and give back.'
Friday, February 17, 2012
Boston Herald: Mark Wahlberg to invest in Elite Football
The Boston Herald reports that Mark will be investing in EFLI which is a Football league in India. Here is the article:
Mark Wahlberg has a new investment on the horizon. He and football player Kurt Warner are now investors in the Elite Football League of India (EFLI), the Phoenix Business Journal reports. Well, that seems rather odd since his last known investment was in Wahlburgers, his brother Paul’s beef burger joint in Hingham. So far, there are no reports of how much dough Mark invested into the league. However, he did release a statement saying, “I hope to bring my family to India for the opening game and to witness this miracle that is the EFLI.”
Mark Wahlberg in Ted
There is an article from Wicked Local.com which is about Mark's upcoming movie "Ted". The article is mostly about actress Jennifer Fogarty, but here is a paragraph about the movie:
Shot in Boston and set to be released this summer, the film also stars Mark Wahlberg and is directed by “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane. It’s about a man and his teddy bear. Say no more.Read more: here
Pre Order Contraband on DVD
No word yet when Contraband starring Mark Wahlberg will be on DVD, but you can alrady pre-order it on Amazon!
Mark Wahlberg in Broken City
This article from Collider.com is about Mark's upcoming movie "Broken City":
It appears that life post-Friday Night Lights is treating Emmy Award-winning actor Kyle Chandler well. He recently wrapped Ben Affleck’s 1970s hostage film Argo, he’s set to star opposite Russell Crowe and Mark Wahlberg in the political thriller Broken City, and now he’s poised to join Kathryn Bigelow’s follow-up to her Oscar-winning The Hurt Locker. Deadline reports that Chandler has joined the fantastic ensemble for Bigelow’s untitled drama (formerly Kill Bin Laden) about the Navy SEAL team who hunted down and killed Osama Bin Laden. Chandler will be playing a CIA agent in the pic, which boasts an impressive cast that includes Joel Edgerton, Jason Clarke, Chris Pratt, Jessica Chastain, Mark Strong, and Edgar Ramirez.
Production on the Mark Boal-scripted untitled drama should be getting underway soon, as the pic is set for release this December. The film was already in development before the assassination of Bin Laden, and Bigelow and Boal quickly reworked the ending of the script to reflect the real life event. The two have been hard at work on the project for a while now, and I’m eager to see what the full story entails. In addition to this film, Chandler also has the possible Friday Night Lights movie on the horizon.
It appears that life post-Friday Night Lights is treating Emmy Award-winning actor Kyle Chandler well. He recently wrapped Ben Affleck’s 1970s hostage film Argo, he’s set to star opposite Russell Crowe and Mark Wahlberg in the political thriller Broken City, and now he’s poised to join Kathryn Bigelow’s follow-up to her Oscar-winning The Hurt Locker. Deadline reports that Chandler has joined the fantastic ensemble for Bigelow’s untitled drama (formerly Kill Bin Laden) about the Navy SEAL team who hunted down and killed Osama Bin Laden. Chandler will be playing a CIA agent in the pic, which boasts an impressive cast that includes Joel Edgerton, Jason Clarke, Chris Pratt, Jessica Chastain, Mark Strong, and Edgar Ramirez.
Production on the Mark Boal-scripted untitled drama should be getting underway soon, as the pic is set for release this December. The film was already in development before the assassination of Bin Laden, and Bigelow and Boal quickly reworked the ending of the script to reflect the real life event. The two have been hard at work on the project for a while now, and I’m eager to see what the full story entails. In addition to this film, Chandler also has the possible Friday Night Lights movie on the horizon.
Mark Wahlberg in Pain and Gain
This article from CinemaBlend.com is about Mark's upcoming movie "Pain and Gain":
Michael Bay turns 47 today and his birthday present may be a new actor in his passion project.
According to Variety, Rob Corddry is now in talks to join Dwayne Johnson, Mark Wahlberg and Ed Harris in the crime-comedy Pain and Gain. Based on a true story, the movie stars Johnson and Wahlberg as a pair of blockheaded bodybuilders who try to make some quick cash by robbing and kidnapping a prominent Florida businessman. The plan goes horribly wrong, though, when they beat their victim nearly to death and a private investigator is hired to track the criminals down (played by Ed Harris). Should he sign on, Corddry will play a former bodybuilder named John Mese who owns the establishment where Wahlberg works as a personal trainer. Thanks to the character's knowledge about accounting he gets pulled into the scheme at the center of the film. Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, best known for writing Captain America: The First Avenger, scripted the project and production is currently scheduled to start this spring.
This will be Bay's first attempt at a comedy in his career, so it will be interesting to see what other comedians he will bring on board to star in the movie. Rob Corddry is a good start, but the biggest roadblock may be finding comedians - a group not well known for being in the best shape - that can pass for being workout fanatics. Both Johnson and Wahlberg have some experience in comedy (both starred in Adam McKay's The Other Guys, for example), but hopefully Bay will bring in some comedic minds to provide some laughs.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Redbook's interview with Mark Wahlberg
Here is an interview Mark did with Redbook:
In your new film Contraband, you play an ex-smuggler who re-enters a life of crime in order to save his family. Could you relate?
I like to do projects I feel some connection to. My character is forced into circumstances where he has to do the right thing for his family. For me, family always comes first; I would do anything to protect them. And even though I turned my life around, my friends and I are very much involved with the everyday hustles and struggles of the real world.
But you've come a long way from the Marky Mark days. You're now an award-winning actor and producer, devoted dad and husband.
[Laughs] I wasn't exactly the man I am today. Growing up, I think I was arrested 20-odd times by the Boston police. The good news is that I've been able to use those experiences in a lot of my roles, and that has been a blessing.
You have such a tough-guy reputation. What makes you go mushy?
I'm the father of two boys and two girls, so I'm more an emotional wreck than a mushball.
So becoming a dad has helped you get in touch with your feelings?
Let's put it this way, I watched The Help with my wife [Rhea], and I cried seven or eight times during the movie. And Rhea made fun of me.
Do you two have date night?
Of course! Every Thursday. We'll leave the house in the late afternoon and go to an early movie or just hang out somewhere. Then we'll go to dinner and catch up. But even when we go out, we like to get home to put the kids to bed.
What was the last great movie you saw with your kids that you loved?
Tangled. I was bawling my eyes out, because it's about a girl who gets taken away from her parents. Any movies where kids are taken from their parents just tear me up.
Do you play differently with your girls than you do with your boys?
My boys drive dirt bikes and wrestle with me. I don't let my girls out of the house!
Don't you want your girls to be tough too?
They are! They are very strong, smart, and independent. Having two daughters changed my perspective on a lot of things, and I definitely have a newfound respect for women. And I think I finally became a good and real man when I had a daughter. Women don't get the credit they deserve. I was at my daughter's ballet class and I was on the phone making a business call and watching her on the monitor, and I realized how hard it is to work and be there for your kids. As far as I'm concerned, there's no job more important on the planet than being a mom.
In your new film Contraband, you play an ex-smuggler who re-enters a life of crime in order to save his family. Could you relate?
I like to do projects I feel some connection to. My character is forced into circumstances where he has to do the right thing for his family. For me, family always comes first; I would do anything to protect them. And even though I turned my life around, my friends and I are very much involved with the everyday hustles and struggles of the real world.
But you've come a long way from the Marky Mark days. You're now an award-winning actor and producer, devoted dad and husband.
[Laughs] I wasn't exactly the man I am today. Growing up, I think I was arrested 20-odd times by the Boston police. The good news is that I've been able to use those experiences in a lot of my roles, and that has been a blessing.
You have such a tough-guy reputation. What makes you go mushy?
I'm the father of two boys and two girls, so I'm more an emotional wreck than a mushball.
So becoming a dad has helped you get in touch with your feelings?
Let's put it this way, I watched The Help with my wife [Rhea], and I cried seven or eight times during the movie. And Rhea made fun of me.
Do you two have date night?
Of course! Every Thursday. We'll leave the house in the late afternoon and go to an early movie or just hang out somewhere. Then we'll go to dinner and catch up. But even when we go out, we like to get home to put the kids to bed.
What was the last great movie you saw with your kids that you loved?
Tangled. I was bawling my eyes out, because it's about a girl who gets taken away from her parents. Any movies where kids are taken from their parents just tear me up.
Do you play differently with your girls than you do with your boys?
My boys drive dirt bikes and wrestle with me. I don't let my girls out of the house!
Don't you want your girls to be tough too?
They are! They are very strong, smart, and independent. Having two daughters changed my perspective on a lot of things, and I definitely have a newfound respect for women. And I think I finally became a good and real man when I had a daughter. Women don't get the credit they deserve. I was at my daughter's ballet class and I was on the phone making a business call and watching her on the monitor, and I realized how hard it is to work and be there for your kids. As far as I'm concerned, there's no job more important on the planet than being a mom.
Mark Wahlberg on 95.5 PLJ
Mark did an interview with The Big Show on 95.5 PLJ in New York last week. Click here to listen! (right click to download)
Boston Herald: "Mark Wahlberg: Four is enough"
Here is a short article about Mark from the Boston Herald:
MARK WAHLBERG says that when it comes to having kids, four is enough. “It’s wild at our house with four kids,” Mark told Showbiz Spy. “I wouldn’t change it for anything but it is crazy. I think we’ve come to the conclusion that four is the max.” But now that he’s done having kids, Mark is able to concentrate on his new hobby: art collecting. “I gotta stop collecting art. I bought a piece by Marc Chagall recently and my wife wanted to kill me,” he said. “She said it looked like my daughter had painted it.”
MARK WAHLBERG says that when it comes to having kids, four is enough. “It’s wild at our house with four kids,” Mark told Showbiz Spy. “I wouldn’t change it for anything but it is crazy. I think we’ve come to the conclusion that four is the max.” But now that he’s done having kids, Mark is able to concentrate on his new hobby: art collecting. “I gotta stop collecting art. I bought a piece by Marc Chagall recently and my wife wanted to kill me,” he said. “She said it looked like my daughter had painted it.”
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Mark Wahlberg's interview with BlackTree.tv
Mark talks about shooting in New Orleans and Panama City and what movies he liked this year and more in this interview with BlackTree.tv:
Video courtesy of blacktreetv
Video courtesy of blacktreetv
Watch the Contraband Trailer
Here is the trailer for Mark Wahlberg's latest movie "Contraband" which is now in theaters!
Video courtesy of MyMovieTrailerStream
Video courtesy of MyMovieTrailerStream
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