Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 3, 1994 TAG: 9406030083
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By LUAINE LEE KNIGHT-RIDDER/TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
DATELINE: BURBANK, CALIF. LENGTH: Medium
At 22 he has already snatched four MTV Video nominations and watched his debut album, ``Music for the People,'' go platinum.
He became the ``centerfold'' for Calvin Klein underwear in both print and billboard ads, and has just co-starred in his first movie, ``Renaissance Man,'' which opens in Roanoke today.
But it all came with a price, he says.
``I'd met a zillion people before who wanted me to be in the movies. Not because they thought I'd be good. But just because they could make money off me. ... I don't mind if I get something out of it. I knew - with the underwear thing - as much as they said they would promote my music with it, they weren't. But it still gave me a platform to be seen in a different light by people who weren't necessarily listening to hip-hop, y'know what I mean?''
People looking for his name on the marquee are going to be puzzled. Mark reverts back to his real name, Mark Wahlberg, for his role as the country-boy GI in ``Renaissance Man.''
There's a reason for that, he says, as he sits on a darkened soundstage on the Walt Disney Studio lot.
``Actually, using my real name is an opportunity for me to separate this from my musical business so whoever's gettin' commissions out of my music ain't gettin' no commissions out of my movies,'' he says, snapping his fist against the table.
Mark, who rode to fame with his group the Funky Bunch, says he wanted to make this movie, though he had been courted by other filmmakers.
``Renaissance Man'' is directed by Penny Marshall (``Laverne & Shirley'') and stars Danny DeVito as an advertising man who finds himself the reluctant tutor of a group of Army misfits. ``I said, `I wanta meet Laverne and the little guy from `Taxi,''' says Mark. ``And I just started talking to them as people.''
The controversial rapper is dressed in a white long-sleeved undershirt, dark pants and navy blue baseball cap which obscures his hair. A cigarette perches behind his right ear.
He says he's not responsible for how people perceive him. ``That's the price of fame,'' he shrugs.
``That's why I wish I could just not do it. But I got a voice and gotta do it ...''
The youngest of nine children, born in Dorchester, Mass., Mark left school in the 9th grade. By the time he was 16 he was in jail.
``We robbed somebody and assaulted them,'' he says. ``Originally we were charged with attempted murder. I coulda went to juvenile [detention] but later was charged as an adult because it was a violent crime. I coulda done something about it [my life] then, but I didn't care at the time. My brother was in prison and all my friends were in and out of prison.''
He says he finally got help. ``But I had to realize for myself. My mother woulda done anything for me. I broke her heart. I was the youngest of nine kids. It happened to eight of them before me and she couldn't do anything.''
Pausing, he says, ``But I made her proud today. She knows what type person I am. My family and friends know who I am and what I stand for.''
He grew up on his own, he says, and he's satisfied with the results. ``I feel blessed. As much as I would like to walk away because of all the b.s. and misconceptions, I wouldn't do it. Y'know what I'm saying? 'Cause I can still make a difference, y'know? And I can still do things, y'know, that'll have an impact on people. And I can still help people.''
He says he's willing to continue the way he has been. ``Even if I gotta go out and just make some more money, y'know what I'm sayin'? And if that's all people are ever gonna let me do, then, hey, I might as well do that just so I know my kids don't have to grow up the way I did and find out what's the wrong way and the right way to go out and get what you want or what you need, y'know what I mean?''
by CNB