Why Mark Wahlberg’s Hollywood career will end ‘sooner rather than later’

“I feel like this is the beginning of a new chapter for me”

When it comes to his illustrious Hollywood career, Mark Wahlberg might be ready to hang up his gloves.

During an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the screening of his new movie Father Stu in the actor’s hometown of Boston, the 50-year-old admitted that lengthy periods away from his family were becoming increasingly difficult.

These days, Wahlberg said a creative project would require substance like Father Stu for him to consider leaving his family to film.

“Father Stu” tells the true story of a wrecked boxer who finds his purpose in life as a priest. As a devout Catholic, Wahlberg was drawn to the project.

“I feel like this is starting a new chapter for me because now it can help people do things like that — real substance —” he said. “I definitely want to focus on making more. I wouldn’t necessarily say just faith-based content, but things that help people. Hopefully this film will open a door not only for me but for many other people in Hollywood to create more meaningful content.”

Wahlberg admitted that his move away from Hollywood would likely be “sooner rather than later.”

Mark has over 60 films on his resume and counting, but these days it’s becoming increasingly difficult for him to be away from the children he shares with his wife Rhea Durham – Ella, 18, Michael, 16, Brendan, 13 and Grace, 12.

“There has to be something special about really making me leave my home, to leave these guys behind,” Wahlberg admitted, “because it’s easily the biggest sacrifice in the making.”

During the filming of Father Stu, the actor lost his mother, Alma. Wahlberg also spoke about how he was able to mimic the traits of his character to help him process his grief.

“Well, surely Stu’s ability to face adversity with such dignity and grace has helped me just focus on the good things and celebrate all the wonderful times,” he said. “My mother was so strong even at her most difficult and vulnerable times. She just wanted us to be okay and if we’re lucky enough to live long lives we’re all going to deal with very difficult times and that’s how you go about facing these things and embracing these things and what else more important is recognizing and seeing the good in other people.”

“This film really touches everyone who sees it because we all go through something. These are very difficult times and in order to be able to share this with other people and to remind people that things can get better…we need to be arming lockdowns and supporting one another,” Wahlberg concluded.