Actor Mark Wahlberg said “faith” is “not popular” in Hollywood but insisted he refused to deny his, because he feels that’s an “even bigger sin.”
During his appearance on the “Today” show, the 51-year-old actor and devout Catholic spoke about his faith on Ash Wednesday, which kicks off 40 days of Lent, commemorating the 40 days Jesus Christ spent in the desert before he began his public ministry.
“It’s a balance,” Wahlberg told the host. “I don’t wanna jam it down anybody’s throat, but I do not deny my faith. That’s an even bigger sin. You know, it’s not popular in my industry, but, you know, I cannot deny my faith. It’s important for me to share that with people.”
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Mark Wahlberg is joining us to talk about the Catholic prayer app ‘Hallow,’ discusses fasting, opens up about why it’s important for him to not deny his faith, shares why he doesn’t force Catholicism onto his children, and more. pic.twitter.com/TrUy1g9eMT
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) February 22, 2023
“But I have friends from all walks of life and all different types of faiths and religions, so you know, it’s important to respect and honor them as well,” he added.
Later, the host asked the actor to explain what his faith meant to him.
“[I]t’s everything, it’s afforded me so many things,” the “Shooter” star shared. “… God didn’t come to save the saints, He came to save the sinners … We want to be better versions of ourselves, and through focusing on my faith, it’s allowed me to do that.”
In 2022, Wahlberg appeared in “Father Stu,” a movie based on the true story of a boxer who became a Catholic priest.
The actor previously discussed the film and said it was “his calling” and “mission” to get this movie made.
“The reason why [Father Stu] was so effective was because he was authentic,” Wahlberg shared about the inspiration for the film. “He was speaking the truth from experience, and that’s invaluable … He’s such a remarkable man. It was an honor for me to portray him in the film and to tell his story.”
In May 2022, Wahlberg encouraged his 18 million followers to “stay prayed up” and say the Rosary with him.
“I’ve been getting a lot of messages from people who have been praying every day and finding peace,” the actor posted on social media. “And especially sending wonderful messages about doing the Rosary with me on the Hallow app. Let’s do the Rosary together and stay prayed up. You got to stay prayed up. God bless you.”
Related: Mark Wahlberg, Sony Re-Releasing PG-13 Version Of ‘Father Stu’ In Theaters