Mark Wahlberg Says Family Gatherings Are About Love, Not Work: “Life Is Too Short”

Mark Wahlberg has built a career as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, but when it comes to family gatherings, the actor says fame and work take a back seat. Speaking exclusively with People while promoting his new thriller Flight Risk, the 53-year-old opened up about what really matters when he gets together with his siblings.

A Family Rooted in Dorchester

The youngest of nine, Wahlberg grew up in Dorchester, Boston, with his brothers and sisters under the care of their mother, Alma Wahlberg, who worked as a bank clerk and nurse’s aide before her passing in 2021 at age 78, and their father, Donald Wahlberg Sr., a delivery driver who died in 2008.

The Wahlberg household produced more than its share of entertainers. Donnie, now 55, is both an actor on Blue Bloods and a member of New Kids on the Block. Paul, a chef, created the Wahlburgers restaurant chain, which later spawned a reality series in the 2010s that featured Mark, Donnie, and other family members. Siblings Arthur, Jim, and Robert have each worked in film and television.

Their sister Debbie, a singer and actress, tragically passed away in 2003, while sisters Michelle and Tracey have largely stayed out of the spotlight.

Choosing Connection Over Conversation About Work

Despite so many professional overlaps, Mark insists that work is rarely discussed when the siblings come together.

“We don’t really get into it that much,” he told People. “I think when we’re getting together and spending time together, it’s really just about quality time together as a family.”

Over the years, that focus has sharpened. “I think there was more of that before, but now it’s just like… I think we’ve all gotten to an age where it’s like, life is too short,” Wahlberg said. “We gotta just enjoy each other’s company as often as possible. And I got over criticizing my siblings after my early forties.”

The remark hints at a maturation in their dynamic — from competitive critiques of one another’s projects to a softer, more supportive rhythm centered on simply being present.

A Blended History of Success

The Wahlbergs’ family tree is deeply entwined with Hollywood and beyond. Donnie continues his long run on Blue Bloods, now in its 14th year, while still performing with NKOTB. Paul oversees Wahlburgers, which expanded from its Hingham, Massachusetts origins into a nationwide chain. Robert has remained rooted in Dorchester, balancing film and TV work with local life.

For Mark, whose career spans blockbuster hits (The Departed, Transformers) to his latest role in Flight Risk, those achievements are part of their collective story — but not what defines their family gatherings.

Home in Las Vegas, Heart in Family

Wahlberg, who relocated to Las Vegas with wife Rhea Durham and their four children — Ella (21), Michael (18), Brendan (16), and Grace (15) — says his family’s priorities now shape his own.

Balancing the demands of Hollywood with fatherhood, he emphasizes the importance of cherishing time away from the spotlight. “It’s about quality time,” he reiterated, pointing to family meals and simple gatherings as his greatest joy.

While the interview didn’t detail how his children connect with his siblings, Wahlberg’s words make clear that keeping those ties strong remains central to his life.

Beyond Fame

In the end, Wahlberg’s reflections are less about stardom than about stripping away its trappings. For a family whose name has become synonymous with entertainment and entrepreneurship, the real legacy seems to be in togetherness.

“Life is too short,” Wahlberg said simply. And for the Wahlbergs, that means making sure the spotlight stays off when it’s time to gather at the table.

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