We've been a fan of Mark Wahlberg since we first saw his music video for Good Vibrations and as a model for Calvin Klein underwear. We knew then that he would transcend his popstar status as a multi-hyphenated brand that we would continue to see. As he began to make the jump to the big screen in The Basketball Diaries and Boogie Nights, we knew that we would continue to see him taking on additional cool projects.
Since those early days, we have enjoyed Mark's range of characters in our favorite films from Martin Scorsese's The Departed, Patriot Day, Ted/2, 2 Guns, Transformer franchise and All the Money in the World. With the ability to oscillate between dramatic and comedic roles, Mark has proven to be a powerhouse and received A Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in The Departed. He has been equally as dominant behind the screen as an Executive Producer of HBO's Entourage, Ballers, McMillions, Boardwalk Empire, How to Make it in America, A&E's Wahlburgers, USA's Shooter (which he was the main character in the movie version) just to name a few.
We know him to be a man who has a work ethic and commitment to all of his projects whether it's an upcoming role, as an entrepreneur, his passion for his family and his ability to get up early to get his workout in so that he is in shape for whatever life throws at him.
We're excited to have Mark as the cover for this month's issue where he shares his words of wisdom that he has learned as he navigates life and the business. He shares how he continues to optimize his efforts, how he approached his roles, his upcoming film Arthur the King, his apparel brand, MUNICIPAL, and Wahl Street on HBO Max.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When we look at your career as an actor, producer, entrepreneur and investor what has been your mantra as you navigate these areas?
MARK WAHLBERG: Just get going. So many people get stuck over thinking whatever it is. But the key is just to get going. Any momentum is better than no momentum.
AM: You are known as a man with a number of optimized habits. What’s the best way that one can approach that?
MW: Get into a routine that allows you to be the best version of yourself.
AM: What’s the first 3 things that you do in the morning when you wake up?
MW: Pray. Then eat and workout.
AM: Obviously, you’re in great shape and we know that you get up pretty early to get your work in. What is the simplest, but most effective piece of workout equipment that you own?
MW: That’s got to be my PowerPlate Pulse. I feel like I have one in every room in my house. Soreness goes away in just a few mins.
AM: You have been in a number of our favorite movies, from Boogie Nights, The Departed and Transformers franchise. What has been the most physically taxing role that you’ve played on screen?
MW: There are so many because I love the physical aspect of some roles. People pushing themselves to the limit. The Fighter, Lone Survivor were like that. And my new movie I just finished shooting, Arthur the King, does the same.
AM: Which role that you’ve played — Tommy Saunders (Patriots Day), Marcus Luttrell (Lone Survivor), Mike Williams (Deepwater Horizon) — inspired you most personally?
MW: They’re all so different but the one thing that they have in common was they are all real people committed to something bigger than themselves.
That’s as inspiring as it gets.
AM: When you began as an entrepreneur, what was the best piece of advice that you received?
MW: Things never go exactly as you planned. But if you’ve put a great team together, and are persistent, you’ll find creative solutions together.
AM: Since last Oct, we became aware of your fashion brand MUNICIPAL and included it in our cover shoot with EDM DJ/producer duo SOFI TUKKER as well as in our cover shoot with Twilight's Peter Facinelli. We love that the line takes you from day to night. What’s your go-to pieces of MUNICIPAL gear?
MW: SuperBlend tees, Sport Utility Jogger, Everyday Boxer Brief, ICON Trucker Hat – can’t pick just one!
AM: So what’s your favorite new discovery?
MW: MUNICIPAL SuperBlend tees. I live in these things.
AM: When you’re not on set, brokering your deals or thinking of your next project, what is your ideal day?
MW: Spending time with my family.
AM: We love your commitment to your health and fitness, but when it comes to a splurge are you drinking wine, beer or liquor?
MW: Wine
AM: When it comes to athletes, who influenced you the most?
MW: I grew up in the 80’s so it was Larry, Michael, and Magic.
AM: So what music are you listening to right now?
MW: Lately I’ve been watching a bunch of old school hip hop videos with my kids. The stuff holds up!
AM: We’re all streaming a number of shows on various streaming platforms. Any suggestions on what we need to be bingeing?
MW: How about HBO Max? Netflix is Spenser Confidential. And on HBO Max, check out the Wahl Street series airing April 2021.
PHOTOS COURTESY | Mark Wahlberg
Read the Apr Issue #64 of Athleisure Mag and see Momentum is Key with Mark Wahlberg in mag.
