A-List Hollywood Star Mark Wahlberg: ‘I Do Not Deny My Faith’

Mark Wahlberg has been one of the top stars in Hollywood for many years at this point.

He is also a devout Catholic, who, despite his industry’s antagonism toward religion sometimes, refuses to deny his faith.

Upworthy reports:

Wahlberg spoke about the balance he has to strike between his private and professional life on the Today show on February 22, also known as Ash Wednesday to Christians. The “Boogie Nights” actor wore an ash cross on his forehead to commemorate the holy day.

“It’s a balance,” the 51-year-old actor said. “I don’t want to jam it down anybody’s throat, but I do not deny my faith. That’s an even bigger sin. You know, it’s not popular in my industry, but I cannot deny my faith. It’s important for me to share that with people. But, I have friends from all walks of life and all different types of faiths and religions, so it’s important to respect and honor them as well.”

He also believes in leading through his example instead of pressuring his four children to follow his faith.

“I don’t force it on them,” he said. “But they know that Dad can’t start the day without being in prayer, can’t start the day without reading my Scripture or going to Mass. And hopefully, instead of forcing that on them, they’ll say, ‘Well, if it works for Dad, maybe it’ll work for us,’ and they’ll kind of gravitate towards it on their own.”

Wahlberg Says Discipline Is Important

Upworthy continued, “The ‘Father Stu’ star says that his faith has helped him develop the discipline to be a successful actor.”

“Discipline has always been important for me in life,” Wahlberg told Today. “Once I started getting into movies and transitioned from music, I realized I needed a lot of discipline in my life, and that discipline has afforded me so many other things. I’ve been rewarded for it so much, and I want to share that with people, whether that’s with fasting, working out more, detaching from other things and just spending more time with God, in prayer or in thoughtful reflection.”

“Those things are important,” he added.

Important indeed.