Mark Wahlberg’s wife had a ‘priceless’ reaction to his shaved head for ‘Flight Risk’ film
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Mark Wahlberg has long been known for his dedication to his craft, often undergoing significant physical transformations for his roles. From gaining and losing weight to altering his appearance, the actor’s commitment to authenticity is unwavering. His latest transformation for the upcoming action thriller “Flight Risk,” directed by Mel Gibson, is no exception. However, it wasn’t just the fans who had strong reactions to his new look—his wife, Rhea Durham, had a particularly unforgettable response.
The Transformation for ‘Flight Risk’
In “Flight Risk,” Wahlberg portrays a pilot tasked with transporting an air marshal, played by Michelle Dockery, and a fugitive, played by Topher Grace, to a trial. The first trailer, released on June 27, showcases a dramatic scene where Wahlberg’s character’s baseball cap comes off, revealing a partially shaved head. Wahlberg revealed that this wasn’t a bald cap effect but rather a result of shaving the top of his head every day for the role.
“There was no bald cap. I shaved the middle and left the horseshoe around the sides. We just shaved it,” Wahlberg told People. “They would shave the top as close to the scalp as possible every day, obviously, because we didn’t have any stubble or anything. So I just hid it with a hat.”
Rhea Durham’s ‘Priceless’ Reaction
While Wahlberg’s commitment to his role was impressive, it was the reaction from his wife, Rhea Durham, that stole the spotlight. Married since 2009, Durham has seen her husband undergo numerous physical changes for his roles, but this one was particularly surprising.
“The most priceless thing was seeing my wife’s face when I took my hat off after getting the hair cut for work that day,” Wahlberg shared.
Wahlberg and Durham have four children together: sons Michael and Brendan, and daughters Ella and Grace. The actor noted that while Durham might have been taken aback by his new look, their children found it amusing, especially their sons.
“My kids — my boys especially — they loved the haircut,” he said. “They got a lot of laughs out of that.”
Family Life and Future Plans
Beyond his professional life, Wahlberg has always been vocal about his dedication to his family. In October 2022, he shared on “The Talk” that he moved his family from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to provide a better environment for his children to pursue their dreams.
“So, to be able to give my kids a better life and follow and pursue their dreams, whether it be my daughter as an equestrian, my son as a basketball player, my younger son as a golfer,” he explained. “This made a lot more sense for us.”
Wahlberg expressed his optimism about the opportunities Las Vegas offers for his family. “There’s a lot of opportunity here. I’m really excited about the future.”
Mark Wahlberg’s transformation for “Flight Risk” and his wife’s candid reaction highlight the personal side of an actor often seen only through the lens of his roles. It’s a reminder that behind the scenes, Wahlberg is not just an actor but a devoted husband and father, navigating the same everyday moments as any family.