Mark Wahlberg Talks Faith, Business, and His Future

Mark Wahlberg attends "2 Guns" New York Premiere at SVA Theater in New York on July 29, 2013. Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Actor Mark Wahlberg has come a long way since the ‘90s when the then-20-year-old rapped and danced his way into the Billboard Hot 100 with the hip-hop hit Good Vibrations.

The song’s positive vibes and lyrics about living life to the fullest seem to have applied to Mr. Wahlberg throughout his career and still do. The actor/producer has starred in many successful films and more recently has embarked on a variety of entrepreneurial endeavors, which have also proved prosperous.

In a recently released video, the megastar, now 52, sat down with Cigar Aficionado’s founder Marvin R. Shanken to discuss both his proactive approach to his career and where he sees his work heading in the future. Mr. Wahlberg graces the September/October cover of the magazine.

Wahlberg Expresses Gratitude, Importance of His Faith

“Well look, when I open my eyes I have a lot to be grateful for,” Mr. Wahlberg told the publication dubbed “The Good Life Magazine for Men.”

“So first and foremost I express my gratitude, and then I have a reminder of all the things that I need to do to continue to grow to be a better person, to be a better servant of God, to be a better father, to be a better husband,” he added.

Mr. Wahlberg has long been outspoken about his Catholic faith.

He’s often seen encouraging his social media followers to “stay prayed up,” which he did in this recent Instagram post.

Wahlberg Approached His Career Proactively

While his breakout acting role in “Boogie Nights” led to other starring roles in lauded films like “Lone Survivor,” “The Departed,” and “The Fighter,” Mr. Wahlberg at first questioned whether or not the part was meant to exploit him. In the film, Mr. Wahlberg plays the role of an adult film star.

In terms of producing, Mr. Wahlberg said he quickly learned to wear the producer hat in order to assist his acting career.

“I started producing out of necessity,” he said, noting he began with television before transitioning to film. “The reason why I started producing was because I didn’t want to sit around waiting for Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise or whoever was already established before me and were the guys at the time, and Leo [DiCaprio] ... to go and pass on a movie until I could get my hands on it.”

Mr. Wahlberg said he knew he needed to take initiative when it came to his career in Hollywood.

“So I was always proactive in trying to find material ... and things that I could produce, that I knew were right for me and create my own destiny. You know, create a vehicle and an opportunity and a path for me to get to where I wanted to be—and have control.”

About the producing route, he added, “Having creative control, because the second your name is above the title, you know, you reap the rewards of the success, but you also bear the brunt of failure. ... If I’m going to be in that position, I’d rather be behind the wheel.”

“You’re going 100 miles an hour down the highway, you want to be in the backseat with no seat belt or do you want to be behind the wheel?” he continued.

Entrepreneurial Endeavors

Since branching out from Hollywood, Mr. Wahlberg now owns businesses in several categories including apparel, entertainment production, fitness, and nutrition. He also is part of the Wahlburgers franchise and has launched Flecha Azul tequila.

In terms of his Municipal clothing line, he and his tribe of friends are often featured on his Instagram page wearing new designs while working out.

All this is part of Mr. Wahlberg’s daily routine while the Boston native’s latest venture is transforming Las Vegas into “Hollywood 2.0” with the creation of a state-of-the-art studio that he says will create 10,000 jobs.

Still, Mr. Wahlberg said he still has one big goal left.

“Direct,” said Mr. Wahlberg. “Working with some of the other great talents. Working with the next batch of great talent.”