Mark Wahlberg is known for many things: his 4:00 AM workouts, a brief but legendary career as a 90s rapper, and a filmography that ranges from Boogie Nights to The Family Plan. But these days, if you follow him on social media, you’ll notice his "big screen" persona has taken a back seat to a much more relatable role. He’s a dad. And not just any dad—he’s a dad who is clearly obsessed with his sons.
Raising kids in the spotlight is a nightmare. Most celebrities try to hide their children away or, conversely, shove them into the family business before they can even drive. Mark and his wife, Rhea Durham, seem to be trying a different route.
Moving to Nevada for the Kids
In 2022, the Wahlberg family did something that shocked the industry. They packed up their massive Beverly Hills estate and moved to Las Vegas. Why? It wasn’t just about the tax breaks—though let’s be real, Nevada’s tax laws are a nice perk. The primary reason was to give their four children a shot at a "normal" life where they could pursue their own interests.
"I want to be able to work from home," Mark told The Talk shortly after the move. He realized that in the 15 years he lived in California, he had only made a couple of movies actually in Los Angeles. The rest of the time, he was traveling. By moving to Vegas, he created a home base that allowed his kids to thrive in ways that weren't dictated by the Hollywood bubble.
Michael Wahlberg: The MMA Prodigy
His oldest son, Michael Wahlberg, is 19 now. He was born on March 21, 2006, and was named as a tribute to Mark’s grandfather. For a long time, Michael was just the kid we saw in rare red carpet photos, but lately, he’s been making his own name in the world of combat sports.
Mark has called him a "beast" on social media. It’s a fitting title. Michael has leaned heavily into Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA. In late 2024, his mother, Rhea, shared that he had placed third in a major jiu-jitsu competition.
You can see the resemblance immediately. He has that same intense focus his dad had during the filming of The Fighter. However, Michael doesn’t seem to be rushing toward a movie set. He’s currently in a relationship with Sunni Gaines, and the two often appear in family vacation photos, like their recent New Year’s 2025 trip to Barbados.
Brendan Wahlberg: The Future NBA Star?
Then there is Brendan Joseph Wahlberg, the 17-year-old who is reportedly already taller than his father. Born September 16, 2008, Brendan is the athlete of the family. While Michael hits the mats, Brendan hits the court and the green.
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Mark has been vocal about Brendan’s talent in basketball and golf. In fact, when the family moved to Nevada, Mark specifically cited Brendan’s potential as a golfer and a basketball player as a reason for the relocation. Nevada’s sports scene—with the Raiders and the Golden Knights—has provided a backdrop that Los Angeles just couldn't match for a kid looking to stay out of the paparazzi's way.
The Acting Bug?
Interestingly, while Michael seems focused on sports, Brendan might be the one with the acting itch. Mark mentioned in an interview that Brendan once claimed he’s a "better actor" than his dad and that he’s going to be "bigger" than Mark ever was.
That’s a bold claim when your dad is one of the highest-paid actors in history.
There was actually a moment where Mark asked Brendan to audition to play his son in The Family Plan. Brendan balked at the idea initially. Classic teenager stuff. But after seeing the movie’s success, he reportedly told his dad, "I should have done that."
A Different Kind of Parenting
Honestly, Mark’s approach to parenting has changed. He used to be the "strict" dad. He’s admitted to loosening the reins recently. During the pandemic, he realized that the constant grind of filming was pulling him away from the moments that actually mattered.
The Wahlberg household isn't just about sports and movies, though. Education is a big deal because Mark famously didn't finish high school until later in life (he got his GED in 2013). He doesn't want his kids using his early exit as an excuse.
- Ella Rae (22): Currently at Clemson University.
- Michael (19): Focused on MMA and fitness.
- Brendan (17): Dedicated to basketball and golf.
- Grace (15): A high-level equestrian.
What We Can Learn from the Wahlberg Method
If you’re looking for a takeaway from how Mark handles his relationship with his sons, it’s about proximity and presence. He literally moved his entire life and business empire to be closer to their practices and games.
It’s easy to throw money at kids. It’s harder to show up at 6:00 AM for a golf practice when you’re a multi-millionaire with a global schedule.
If you want to follow a similar path of "intentional parenting," start by evaluating where your time goes. You don't have to move to Vegas, but you might need to move your schedule around. Support their niche interests—even if it's something as intense as MMA or as time-consuming as competitive golf—and be the person who shows up, even when you'd rather be sleeping.
The next step for anyone following the Wahlberg family is to watch for Brendan's name in high school sports rankings or Michael's name in regional BJJ tournaments. They aren't just "Mark Wahlberg’s son" anymore; they are carving out their own identities in the Nevada desert.