Mark Wahlberg and his four dogs.Photo:Paul Citone/Variety via Getty; Rhea Wahlberg/Instagram
Paul Citone/Variety via Getty; Rhea Wahlberg/Instagram
For hisnew movieArthur the King,Mark Wahlberghappily ignored that old showbiz adage: Never work with children or animals.
His main costar in the heartwarming drama — based on the true story of adventure racer Mikael Lindnord, who bonded with a stray dog while trekking through Ecuador — is Ukai, an adorable Australian shepherd-Border collie-Bouvier mix.
“You got to accept the fact that the dog’s going to show you up a little bit,” says Wahlberg, who has top billing but knows Ukai is the true star. “He was very good at what he does.”
At this stage of his life, Wahlberg, 52, is happy to cede the spotlight to a furry friend.
After more than three decades in entertainment — first as a hip-hop star and frontman of Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, now as a respected Oscar-nominated actor — Wahlberg prefers to play a starring role at home: devoted family man.
Mark Wahlberg and canine costar Ukai in ‘Arthur the King’.Carlos Rodriguez/Courtesy of Lionsgate
Carlos Rodriguez/Courtesy of Lionsgate
Wahlberg, who shares children Ella Rae, 21, Michael, 17, Brendan, 15, and Grace, 14, with wife of 15 years, modelRhea Durham, 45, tells PEOPLE he’s “absolutely” choosier about what projects take him away from his family, especially after last year’s actors’ strike, which lasted nearly four months.
“The one blessing was it allowed me to be home with my family,” he says. “You get used to being at home.”
Two years ago,the Wahlberg crew moved to Nevada, and they share their home with the four family dogs, even though Wahlberg himself is allergic. During his interview with PEOPLE, he sneezes a few times since his Pomsky (Siberian Husky and Pomeranian mix) Jojo was around.
“I’m allergic to dogs and I have four of them,” says Wahlberg, who takes medication daily to help. “I’m covered in dog hair right now.”
His other pups include in Boston Terrier Lola, Pomeranian Champ, and another Pomsky, Penny.
Mark Wahlberg and his family.Mark Wahlberg Instagram
Mark Wahlberg Instagram
Who’s assigned to doggy duty in the Wahlberg household? “That depends,” he says, “but the one who is in most control and actually can handle them all the time and they listen to, is my daughter Grace.”
“She’s good with animals. She’s the authority figure in the house,” he continues.
Wahlberg knows his way with man’s best friend as well. While filmingArthur the King, he bonded with Ukai through “bribery,” he says. Ukai was Wahlberg’s neighbor in the Dominican Republic, where he filmed the movie.
Arthur the Kingis in theaters Friday.
source: people.com
