Mark Wahlberg has never been shy about this faith, but it also doesn’t really seem to have affected his career moves in any real way. From hard R comedies like “Ted,” to outrageous projects like “Pain & Gain,” to the foul mouthed Martin Scorsese jam “The Departed,” to a string of action movies and blockbusters — Wahlberg isn’t exactly Kirk Cameron. However, it appears he does have regrets that he takes home at night.
Last week, Wahlberg joined Cardinal Blase Cupich in conversation UIC Pavillion in Chicago, in an effort to encourage more youth to join the church, where he revealed that there are some film roles he realizes might run counter to his beliefs.
“I just always hope that God is a movie fan and also forgiving, because I’ve made some poor choices in my past,” Wahlberg said, adding: ” ‘Boogie Nights‘ is up there at the top of the list.”
Paul Thomas Anderson‘s breakout film set in the porn industry, and featuring Wahlberg as the well-endowed Dirk Diggler, was the breakout movie for both the director and star. But it’s understandable that the Lord Almighty might not roll with it. And while it’s easy to kick around Wahlberg for the comments, he does have admirable ambitions for helping young people.
“I’ve never been shy about sharing my past and the bad decisions I’ve made and being affiliated with gangs, being incarcerated, so absolutely I think they can identify with me on a personal level, and that’s why I’ve continued to try to do as much as I can to help young people,” he said. “It’s one thing to give money, or to start programs, but to be there and be able to talk to them, and tell them there is someone who has been through the same things they are going through and was able to turn their life around, and turn it into a big positive. That’s always important.”
So, maybe Wahlberg won’t be putting “Boogie Nights” on his list of achievements when he gets to the heavenly gates. But that doesn’t stop the rest of us from enjoying it. [Chicago Tribune]