'I don't jam it down people's throat': Mark Wahlberg opens up on his faith and the 'bigger sin'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Mark Wahlberg recently opened up about how his religious beliefs influenced his personal and professional lives. The 51-year-old actor, a devoted Catholic, has been candid about how his faith helped him get through the early challenges of his life.
Wahlberg told Fox News Digital that his dedication to God is the source of all of his success. "It's just the most important aspect of my life," the two-time Academy Award nominee said. Wahlberg continued, "It's the most important thing. It's afforded me all the things that I've been able to accomplish in my life — my faith, my discipline."
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‘Faith is not popular’
The ‘Uncharted’ actor reminisced on his life as a devout Catholic in Hollywood last month. He also reflected on how he keeps a “balance" when expressing his religious beliefs in a field that he believes is often resistant to them.
Wahlberg clarified that he would not “deny” his religious beliefs since "that's an even bigger sin." "It's not popular in my industry, but, you know, I cannot deny my faith. It's important for me to share that with people," Wahlberg told Fox News Digital.
He remarked, "I don't shy away from my faith, but I also don't jam it down anybody's throat." The ‘The Departed’ actor also discussed how his religious beliefs have influenced his professional decisions and the Hollywood roles he has chosen to play.
Wahlberg saw himself in 'Father Stu'
"I've always said that I hope God is a movie fan," Wahlberg noted. "I mean, I've made some movies, whether it be "Boogie Nights" or even "Ted" where, you know, they could be a bit questionable." He continued, "But I also don't want to compromise my artistic integrity. But as a parent and as a husband, those things definitely weigh into my decision-making. But I do like taking chances and risks". "But I also was really proud of making a movie that was a love letter to my faith," Wahlberg added, referencing ‘Father Stu’.
The movie's plot, in Wahlberg's opinion, is a metaphor for his own spiritual salvation. On his path to becoming an A-list actor, Wahlberg endured a turbulent adolescence that included multiple run-ins with the law. With his brothers, Chef Paul and Donnie Wahlberg, he is a successful entrepreneur who developed the clothing line Municipal and the international restaurant chain Wahlbergers.