Last Updated on February 29, 2024
Image source: people.com
To most people, an ideal romantic relationship should follow an unwritten sequence where couples begin as casual friends, become lovers, exchange wedding vows, and then go on to have kids.
However, not all happily married partners followed this conventional rule. Some like Mark Wahlberg welcomed several children before deciding it was time to settle down with their partners.
Here’s everything you need to know about Wahlberg’s married life, with a special focus on his wife of 10+ years.
Who Is Mark Wahlberg?
Mark Robert Michael Wahlberg is an American actor widely regarded as one of the most accomplished Hollywood stars. He has appeared in films of numerous genres, ranging from action to comedy, drama, etc.
Wahlberg kicked off his career in the entertainment industry as a musician in the early-90s. He was a member of the hip hop collective ‘Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch.’ The group released the album ‘Music for the People’ in 1991 before following up with ‘You Gotta Believe’ a year later.
After achieving success in the music industry, Mark Wahlberg decided to venture into acting. He made his film debut in Renaissance Man (1994) and landed his first starring role in Fear (1996). Wahlberg received wider attention for his superb performance in the 1997 film ‘Boogie Nights.’
Mark Wahlberg would go on to star in dozens of other Hollywood blockbusters. Noteworthy ones include The Perfect Storm (2000), Planet of the Apes (2001), The Italian Job (2003), The Departed (2006), The Fighter (2010), and Ted (2012) as well as its 2015 sequel. Wahlberg also had lead roles in The Other Guys (2010), Daddy’s Home (2015), Daddy’s Home 2 (2017) and the ‘Transformers’ film franchise.
Who Is Mark Wahlberg’s Wife?
Mark Wahlberg is married to American model Rhea Durham. The couple tied the knot in 2009. However, they’ve known each other for the longest time.
Wahlberg and Durham’s relationship has weathered numerous storms and the couple is now living their dreams after accomplishing tremendous achievements in their respective fields.
Rhea Durham’s Early Life
Rhea Durham was born on July 1, 1978, in Lakeland, Florida. She’s 45 years old as of 2023, seven years younger than her husband who was born on June 5, 1971.
Rhea’s mother is Kelly Graham whereas her father’s identity is unknown.
Durham was raised alongside her younger brother and sister, whose names are also unknown.
Rhea Durham’s Education Background
Durham attended Lakeland Senior High School.
Her compelling desire to launch her career in fashion modeling forced her to leave her studies momentarily. She would later earn her high school diploma by correspondence.
It’s unclear whether Durham furthered her education beyond high school.
Rhea Durham’s Professional Career
Rhea Durham knew she was destined for a career in modeling at a relatively young age. She was discovered at a Lakeland mall by a modeling agency known as Model Scout when she was fifteen years old.
Durham subsequently won a $100,000 modeling contract which saw her travel to New York and Paris. Soon, eminent fashion brands came knocking on her doors. She signed up for several runways for a number of American and European fashion designers.
Durham featured on the cover for several fashion magazines, including French Vogue, British ELLE, American ELLE, and Marie Claire. She also walked in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show for the years 2000 and 2001.
Like many models, Rhea Durham has made quite a few television appearances during her career. One of her most notable television roles came in 2001 when she guest-starred in an episode of the TV series Spin City, known as “The Wedding Scammer.”
Rhea Durham and Mark Wahlberg’s Relationship Timeline
Rhea Durham and Mark Wahlberg had their first meeting in 2001 at a press tour in New York City. It was love at first sight for the couple as they went on a date the following day at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Midtown Manhattan.
Durham and Wahlberg dated for the next few years, trying everything possible to keep their relationship a secret. However, the paparazzi were ever hot on their trails, photographing them together at every turn. The pair gradually became less secretive about their relationship as more photos of them continued to emerge on major tabloids and social media platforms.
Durham and Wahlberg eventually walked down the aisle on August 1, 2009. The couple exchanged their wedding vows at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Beverly Hills in a private ceremony that only attracted their innermost social circles.
Wahlberg has openly paid tribute to his wife for helping him outgrow certain aberrant behaviors. The Hollywood sensation was rather rough around the edges during his teenage and early adult years. He had multiple run-ins with the law for different reasons, including participating in racially-motivated attacks.
In a 2008 interview with The Sun, Wahlberg stated that he had turned over a new leaf and credited his then-girlfriend for the transformation. He said, “I owe a lot to my wife, she has helped me become the man that I am and created a beautiful life for me and our children. … You need the right woman in your life and that feeling that you’re going to be together for a long time. That’s especially important if you’re going to have children.”
Wahlberg continues to shower his wife with praise at every opportunity he can find.
Does Rhea Durham and Mark Wahlberg Have Children Together?
Durham and Wahlberg have four children together, three of whom were born during their courtship.
The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Elle Rae Wahlberg, on Sept. 2, 2003. Their second child and first son, Michael Wahlberg, arrived on March 21, 2006.
On September 16, 2008, the Wahlberg family welcomed their third child and second son, Brendan Joseph Wahlberg. The couple’s fourth child and second daughter, Grace Margaret Wahlberg, was born on January 11, 2010.
Other Fun Facts About Rhea Durham
Rhea Durham was rumored to be dating Model Scout founder Ward Cottrell before meeting Wahlberg.
According to several outlets, Durham landed her contract with the company after exchanging sexual favors with Cottrell. However, police investigations uncovered no evidence to back up these allegations.