Mark Wahlberg, known for his roles in action-packed films and his disciplined lifestyle, recently shared some surprising advice he gave to fellow actor and musician Post Malone. During an appearance on “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” Wahlberg revealed he cautioned Malone against getting more tattoos, especially after working together on the set of their new movie, “Spenser Confidential.” This revelation comes from Wahlberg’s own experience with tattoo removal, a process he describes as lengthy and significantly more painful than getting inked in the first place.
Wahlberg, who has famously removed “eight or nine” tattoos himself, recounted his conversation with Malone. Despite Wahlberg’s warning, Malone, known for his extensive and distinctive tattoo collection, including numerous face tattoos, has since added even more to his visage. Wahlberg humorously noted the common sentiment among those getting tattoos, recalling Malone’s (and his own past) attitude: “‘No, no, no, they all have meaning, I’m going to keep them forever.'” However, Wahlberg emphasized the long-term perspective, adding, “But then you realize: ‘I’m pushing 40, I got to do something about this.'” This highlights a common theme of tattoo regret that many experience as they mature and their personal aesthetics evolve.
Wahlberg didn’t sugarcoat the reality of tattoo removal. He described the pain as “1000% more painful” than getting a tattoo, vividly comparing the sensation to “hot bacon grease getting flicked on you over and over again.” He elaborated on the extent of his own tattoo journey, mentioning, “I had, like, eight or nine. They went all the way around my neck, my stomach, my arms, my back, my leg.” This detailed description of his tattoo locations underscores the significant undertaking of removal, especially for larger and more widespread tattoos.
The decision to remove his tattoos, Wahlberg explained, stemmed from “Maturity. Sensibility.” This concise explanation points to a shift in personal values and image as he transitioned from his younger years into adulthood and a more established career. Interestingly, Wahlberg was already in the process of tattoo removal before filming “The Fighter,” the critically acclaimed boxing movie where he portrayed Micky Ward. He humorously recounted his dermatologist’s initial estimate of a five-to-seven-year removal process, with appointments once a year. However, Wahlberg, with his characteristic determination, expedited the process by going monthly and completed it in under seven months.
This personal anecdote served as a direct comparison to Post Malone’s situation. Wahlberg jokingly told Corden, “So I told Posty it’s going to be a lot of Bud Lights trying to get those things off of you,” highlighting the extensive and potentially challenging journey Malone might face if he ever chooses to remove his numerous tattoos.
Post Malone himself has spoken about the motivations behind his face tattoos, revealing a more vulnerable reason than simple aesthetic choice. In a GQ interview, Malone confessed that his face tattoos “maybe come from a place of insecurity, to where I don’t like how I look, so I’m going to put something cool on there so I can look at myself and say, ‘You look cool, kid,’ and have a modicum of self-confidence when it comes to my appearance.” This candid admission provides a deeper understanding of Malone’s tattoos and adds another layer to Wahlberg’s advice, suggesting that decisions driven by insecurity might be reconsidered later in life.
Ultimately, Mark Wahlberg’s tattoo journey serves as a cautionary tale and a piece of seasoned advice for Post Malone and anyone considering extensive tattooing. While tattoos can be a form of self-expression, Wahlberg’s experience underscores the importance of considering long-term implications and the potential for changing perspectives over time. His story is a reminder that while youthful impulsivity can lead to tattoo decisions, maturity and evolving self-perception might lead to a different path, one that involves the arduous process of tattoo removal.
