Who’d have guessed that Mark Wahlberg, then known as Marky Mark, would become one of Hollywood’s greatest stars in the early 1990s? Whether or not anyone believed he had it in him, Wahlberg proved his worth by becoming an A-list celebrity and two-time Oscar nominee. In this article, we will be discussing some of the best roles played by Mark Wahlberg.
Mark Wahlberg, the singer-turned-actor, has had a successful career in Hollywood. Working with some of Hollywood’s best directors, including Martin Scorsese, Paul Thomas Anderson, Ridley Scott, Tim Burton, James Gray, Peter Jackson, and others, and producing more than 30 films and television series, Wahlberg’s creative reach continues to grow.
In 1999, he played Private Tommy Lee Haywood in Renaissance Man, which was his first job outside of portraying himself. Wahlberg has continued to dazzle fans since then. We have compiled a list of the 10 best roles played by Mark Wahlberg below.
Table of Contents
Check out our list of 10 best roles played by Mark Wahlberg:
1. Deepwater Horizon (2016)
Deepwater Horizon, a 2016 dramatic action film, stands at the top of the list. This film is based on the true events of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil disaster and follows Mike Williams, a Chief Electrical Technician played by Mark Wahlberg.
As things start to go wrong, Wahlberg’s character does everything he can to defend and save as much of his team as possible.
BP is repeatedly warned by Williams, Kurt Russell’s action character Jimmy Harrell, and Gina Rodriguez’s Andrea Fleytas, but they choose to disregard the rig workers and the truth. Wahlberg’s performance in this film is undervalued, and it is perhaps one of his greatest.
2. Ted (2012)
While Mark Wahlberg is most known for his work as an action hero or a serious actor, his humorous abilities should not be disregarded. Wahlberg has given some of his greatest performances in comedy, notably Seth MacFarlane’s Ted.
Playing John Bennett, a longtime Boston resident who, as a youngster, learns his plush boyhood friend has come to life, only to become a stoner burnout alongside his childhood pal when the world stops caring. When Wahlberg attempts to move on from his pal, he stretches his acting skills by portraying a glib, goodhearted man-child.
3. Uncharted (2022)
Uncharted is widely regarded as one of Wahlberg’s greatest films, as well as one of the best pictures of the winter movie season in general. The film stars Tom Holland, Bryan Cranston, Antonio Banderas, and, of course, Mark Wahlberg, and is based on the iconic video game franchise.
Victor Sullivan, a lovable game series character who functions as a father figure to the protagonist Nathan Drake, is played by Wahlberg. It is undoubtedly one of the best roles played by Mark Wahlberg.
4. Invincible (2006)
In Hollywood, underdog sports films are a dime a dozen. However, when they do function, they work quite well. Take, for example, the underappreciated Invincible from 2006.
With the story of Vince Papale, a former substitute teacher/part-time bartender who becomes an unexpected asset for the Philadelphia Eagles in the mid-to-late 1970s, Wahlberg’s knack for portraying assiduous men rising the ladder to greatness was on full display, allowing the actor to play the humble, hard-working everyman who finds himself living out his dream of playing for his hometown football team and proving himself after several months of adversity.
5. Shooter (2007)
The Shooter is based on Stephen Hunter’s novel Point Of Impact, which was launched in 1993 and tells the narrative of a U.S. marksman who returns to duty to protect the president from an assassination plot. Wahlberg’s character, Bob Lee Swagger, is betrayed and falsely accused of being the assassin.
As former US Army sharpshooter Swagger, Wahlberg gives an outstanding performance. The roughness and attention to detail that Wahlberg invests in Swagger radiate across the whole film.
6. The Italian Job (2003)
The Italian Job is one of the few early-2000s remakes that succeeds, thanks to its all-star ensemble, which includes Mark Wahlberg, and its penchant for exciting action, fast automobiles, and hilarious performances.
While the storyline might be a little choppy at times, the film makes up for it with exciting action, smart directing, and captivating performances, particularly from Wahlberg. The Italian Job was one of the most enjoyable and accessible action films of the new millennium.
7. Instant Family (2018)
Mark Wahlberg has featured in several family films, but Instant Family is often regarded as his greatest. In this 2018 comedy, Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne are prospective parents Pete and Ellie, who adopt three children from foster care.
Wahlberg portrays a wonderful new father who is striving to bond with his children, particularly his son. However, things happen, such as when Pete smacks his son in the face with a baseball or basketball regularly and inadvertently.
8. I Heart Huckabees (2004)
I admit that I Heart Huckabees isn’t for everyone. It’s been criticized for being overly twee, too fluffy, and too reliant on the quirky independent film tropes of the early 2000s.
That’s reasonable in some ways, but it also ignores how well it’s put together, how stylish it can be, and how much its all-star cast, which includes Dustin Hoffman, Lily Tomlin, Jude Law, Naomi Watts, Jason Schwartzman, Isabelle Huppert, and Mark Wahlberg, elevates it.
As Tommy Corn, a fireman with a sharp take on life, Wahlberg gives one of his funniest performances to date in their second collaboration.
9. The Fighter (2010)
Wahlberg’s portrayal of former World Boxing Union Champion Irish American lightweight boxer Micky Ward in The Fighter took home the bronze prize. The plot of the film revolves around Micky’s early boxing career and his relationships.
There is plenty of action and drama in this film. In this fantastic sports picture, Wahlberg uses a vicious left hook of heart and a brutal right hook of Rocky-like drive to emerge triumphant.
10. The Departed (2006)
The Departed, regarded as one of the finest films of all time and winner of four Academy Awards in 2007, is regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. Walberg was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role but did not win. Still, this is one of the best roles played by Mark Wahlberg.
The Departed tells the story of a conflict between the South Boston Police Department and Irish American criminal gangs. Staff Sergeant Sean Dignam, played by Wahlberg, is a rude and tough cop. In the second part of the film, Dignam is the primary character.
Some of the best roles played by Mark Wahlberg are mentioned above. It was difficult to choose these films because Mark Wahlberg has been in over 30 films. We hope you like this article. Let us know about your favorite role of Mark Wahlberg in the comment section below.
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