Mark Wahlberg reveals why he chose his kids over dream Hollywood life

Mark Wahlberg explains why leaving Los Angeles was ‘the best thing’ for his kids

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Published September 01, 2026
Mark Wahlberg reveals why he chose his kids over life in Los Angeles

Mark Wahlberg left his Los Angeles house back in 2022, despite the city being close to his heart, he it for his kids.

The 55-year-old actor admitted in a recent chat on The Shop podcast that he misses Los Angeles but also believes that living close to Hollywood is not needed to be successful in the entertainment industry, especially in the modern era.

"I think in this day and age, you can self-tape, and you can audition from anywhere. You can be anywhere," Mark remarked.

But living in the city came with a major drawback for Mark: his kids getting in "a lot of trouble."

The father of four shared, "My kids were getting exposed to a lot and getting in a lot of trouble."

And to prioritize his kids first, Mark took the tough decision of moving out with his kids.

"The best thing was to say, 'OK, let's put them first. I don't have to be here. I can always come back," the doting dad said.

Mark, along with his four kids, whom he shares with his wife Rhea Durham, moved to Las Vegas, where they now pursue their hobbies and participate in their extracurricular activities.

However, Mark, who misses Los Angeles' weather, eateries, and his friends, regularly visiting the city is his "goal."

"Summertime in California, man, there's nothing better," Mark added.

Maliha Javed
Maliha Javed is an entertainment journalist with one year of experience, covering celebrity controversies, viral moments, and trending stories. She navigates the fast-paced digital landscape, breaking down complex narratives into clear, engaging reports that keep readers informed and connected to the latest entertainment buzz.
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