Mark Wahlberg Says Being Away From Family Is the ‘Biggest Sacrifice’ in Hollywood

The ‘Play Dirty’ actor credits discipline, faith, and quality time to finding the perfect work and home life balance.

Mark Wahlberg attends Amazon's 'Play Dirty' World Premiere at SVA Theater in New York City on Sept. 24, 2025. Theo Wargo/Getty Images

In pursuing his Hollywood dream for big screen success, actor Mark Wahlberg has made many sacrifices, which often included being away from his family.

Over the years, Wahlberg, 54, has had to find the perfect balance between fulfilling creative endeavors and spending quality time with his wife, Rhea Durham, and their four children.

“The biggest sacrifice with my job is being away from my family,” Wahlberg told ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Sept. 25. while teasing his new action thriller “Play Dirty.”

The movie, in which Wahlberg plays an expert thief who stumbles onto a score that pits him and his crew against the New York mob, is set to be released on Prime Video on Oct. 1.

The actor attended the red carpet premiere on Sept. 24 at the SVA Theater in New York City, with the entire family tagging along in a show of support.

“They were actually at the premiere last night, which is nice,” he told the program. “So, to be able to have them come and share that, and experience it, and just spend time with me, you know, visit dad so I can see their faces.”

The family outing gave a glimpse into the newfound appreciation they have for his work, compared to the excitement the children had when they were younger.

“In the ‘Transformer’ days, they were interested,” Wahlberg said. “They wanted to come. They wanted to see the action. They wanted to see ‘Bumblebee.’ Now, they’re like, ‘Dad, this is boring.’”

In an Instagram post, Durham shared a snapshot of the whole family on Sept. 23, paying a visit to an undisclosed set in Boston, bringing together set and home life.

Balancing fatherhood and professional commitments comes with its challenges, however.

Wahlberg notes his secret is maintaining a positive work ethic and staying disciplined in his everyday schedule.

Part of it is waking up at 3 a.m. to start his rigorous fitness routine and getting to bed by 7 p.m. to get enough hours of sleep.

“I learned the hard way over the years, which is why I try to show what I do every day,” he said. “Just so I can show people that it is about the work, it is about the discipline and this is the only way that I could be successful, both personally and professionally.”

Wahlberg met his wife in 2001 at a press junket in New York City, where their first date was attending a church service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. They tied the knot in 2009.

The couple has stayed true to their faith-based values, with Wahlberg incorporating that into his everyday parenting style.

“What I do every day is pray for the strength to be a good servant, father, and husband,” he said in a 2010 interview with People. “I ask for the ability to raise my kids, to teach and protect them, and to be disciplined and firm and loving and nurturing.

“It can be a fine line, so I ask God for the strength to not lose my patience with my children.”