I had to learn how to become a real actor, I had to suffer and be rejected and face that 100 times just like every actor. It wasn't like someone handed it to me.

In 2001 Wahlberg co-starred as Second Lieutenant C. This role was originally intended for a 13-year-old boy until Wahlberg met with writer and director M. In 2008 he appeared in Righteous Kill co-starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.

He is a member of the popular 1980s and 1990s boy band New Kids on the Block. Wahlberg was nominated for Choice Scream at the 2008 Teen Choice Awards for his work on the Saw films.