Mark Wahlberg Opens Up About His Favorite Co-Stars—And the One He Clashed With On Set

Mark Wahlberg’s rise to stardom is one of the most fascinating in Hollywood history. From his early days as “Marky Mark” in the 1990s to his evolution into an Oscar-nominated actor, Wahlberg has carved out a successful career with a diverse range of roles. While he’s not always considered one of the greatest actors of his generation, Wahlberg’s impressive body of work includes multiple Oscar nominations, memorable performances, and a box office track record that spans billions.

Since making his acting debut in 1993’s The Marky Mark Workout and landing a significant role in Boogie Nights (1997), Wahlberg has worked with some of the biggest names in film. His career includes collaborations with legendary directors like Tim Burton, David O. Russell, Martin Scorsese, and Jonathan Demme, as well as co-starring with A-list actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Christian Bale, Julianne Moore, and Joaquin Phoenix.

In a 2023 interview, Wahlberg reflected on his career and revealed his admiration for some of the best actors he’s worked with. He named a list of industry heavyweights, starting with Danny DeVito, who guided him on his second film, Renaissance Man (1994). Wahlberg also spoke highly of his time working with Jack Nicholson in The Departed (2006), Robert Duvall in We Own the Night (2007), and James Caan in The Yards (2000).

“God, I’ve worked with so many talented people,” Wahlberg said. “A lot who are no longer here. I’ve been very, very fortunate. Denzel [Washington], Bill Paxton, God rest his soul. James Gammon, Luke Askew. I was always a student of the game.”

The list of actors Wahlberg has worked with reads like a who’s-who of Hollywood’s finest. His co-stars in 2 Guns (2013), Denzel Washington and Bill Paxton, made an impact on him both professionally and personally. Paxton, in particular, served as a mentor early in Wahlberg’s career, helping him navigate the challenges of being on set, teaching him the ropes, and answering his questions. Wahlberg also worked alongside Paxton and other seasoned actors like Gammon and Askew in the 1997 film Traveller, where Paxton’s character mentored Wahlberg’s, introducing him to the complex world of Irish-American gangsters.

Perhaps most striking was Wahlberg’s praise for DeVito, who took him under his wing during Renaissance Man. DeVito’s patience and guidance during that early film helped Wahlberg develop his craft and understand the intricate workings of a film set, a process he described as invaluable.

However, not all of Wahlberg’s experiences with Hollywood legends were positive. His time working with Jack Nicholson on The Departed was notoriously tense, with Nicholson famously unimpressed with Wahlberg’s improvisational acting style. Nicholson’s criticism of Wahlberg’s approach irked both the actor and director Martin Scorsese, who reportedly told Wahlberg to stop improvising. The tension on set, however, may have helped Wahlberg deliver one of his most memorable performances, earning him his only acting Oscar nomination for The Departed—a film that remains a career highlight.

Despite his differences with Nicholson, Wahlberg has maintained a deep respect for the craft of acting, constantly learning from his experiences. His early years on set with mentors like DeVito and Paxton laid the foundation for his continued growth as an actor. Wahlberg’s journey from a boy band rapper to an Oscar-nominated actor is a testament to his dedication to his craft, and his ability to work alongside some of the most talented actors in the industry is a testament to his place in Hollywood.

As Wahlberg continues to build his impressive career, his recognition of the great actors who shaped his development serves as a reminder that no matter how far he’s come, he remains a student of the game. And with that humility, it’s clear that Wahlberg’s journey is far from over.