Mark Wahlberg, an American actor born on June 5, 1971, in Boston, Massachusetts, transitioned from troubled youth and teen pop idol to a critically acclaimed actor and producer. Growing up in a poor, crowded household as the youngest of nine children, Wahlberg faced challenges including his parents’ divorce and a life of crime. By age 16, he served time for assault, an experience that motivated him to change his ways.

Initially part of the boy band New Kids on the Block, Wahlberg instead pursued a career as rapper “Marky Mark,” achieving fame with Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. Known for his “bad boy” image and Calvin Klein modeling, he faced controversies around racism and homophobia that tarnished his music career.

Pivoting to acting in the 1990s, Wahlberg gained attention for roles in Renaissance Man (1994), The Basketball Diaries (1995), and Boogie Nights (1997), where he played troubled porn star Dirk Diggler. He demonstrated versatility, starring in dramas like The Departed (2006) and The Fighter (2010), comedies like Ted (2012), and action films like Three Kings (1999). Wahlberg also became a successful producer for TV shows like Entourage (2004) and Boardwalk Empire (2010).

Chris saw quite a bit of the country in his youth, after his family moved to the Northern Territory before finally settling on Phillip Island, to the south of Melbourne. In 2004, he unsuccessfully auditioned for the role of Robbie Hunter in the Australian soap opera Home and Away (1988) but was recalled for the role of Kim Hyde which he played until 2007. In 2006, he entered the Australian version of Dancing with the Stars (2004) and his popularity in the soap enabled him to hang on until show 7 (Episode #5.7 (2006)) when he became the fifth contestant to be eliminated.