Netizens are abuzz as actor and businessman Mark Wahlberg’s eldest daughter steps into the spotlight, dazzling everyone with her striking resemblance to her model mother.
Mark Wahlberg recently delighted his Instagram followers by posting a photo where he posed with his eldest daughter, Ella Rae Wahlberg, whom he shares with his wife Rhea Durham. The heartwarming snapshot prompted many fans to debate who the young woman resembles more.
“She looks like her mom,” one user noted, referring to Mark’s model wife, while another countered, “SHE’S LOOKING ALL LIKE DADDY.” In the picture, Ella dazzled in a sleeveless yellow top and a black sling purse, her hair streaked with blonde and styled in a ponytail.
Mark Wahlberg, Ella Rae Wahlberg, and Rhea Durham attend a basketball game in Los Angeles on December 17, 2015. | Source: Getty Images
Mark kept it casual in a blue shirt and a backward grey cap. His proud caption read, “So proud of this young lady 🥰😘❤️❤️.” Fans quickly shared their thoughts on Ella’s striking appearance.
“How gorgeous is she!!! Proud father moment xx [sic],” one gushed about Ella’s beauty and Mark’s pride. Another commented, “Twinning.” Two more netizens expressed how Ella looks like Rhea, writing “She looks like her momma!” and “She’s beautiful, like her Mommie [sic].”
Rhea Durham at the screening of Lionsgate’s “Shaun the Sheep Movie” in Westwood, California on August 1, 2015. | Source: Getty Images
Ella isn’t just winning hearts with her looks; she also celebrates her father’s past artistry. In a 2022 interview, Mark shared how Ella honored his days as a member of Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch through her fashion choices.
Mark Wahlberg, also known as Marky Mark, in Chicago, Illinois on October 13, 1991. | Source: Getty Images
Mark happily recalled, “My daughter actually was so cool. She bought a Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch T-shirt from a vintage shop, and she’s been rocking it like crazy.”
Mark Wahlberg, then known as Marky Mark poses with a Smash Hits award in Chicago, Illinois in 1991. | Source: Getty Images
He appreciated Ella’s genuine love of vintage style, noting it as a nice way to celebrate his past. Before acting, Mark had a successful music career in the 1990s with the group Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch.
Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch consisted of Mark Wahlberg, Scott Ross, Hector Barros, Terry Yancey, and Anthony Thomas in 1990. | Source: Getty Images
The group released two albums: “Music for the People” in 1991 and “You Gotta Believe” in 1992. Their hit single “Good Vibrations” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1991.
arky Mark and the Funky Bunch performs on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on February 11, 1993. | Source: Getty Images
Now, Mark enjoys his role as a father. Besides Ella, he and Rhea have three more children: Grace Margaret, Michael, and Brendan Joseph. The proud father often shares moments with his family, showing their close-knit bond. This bond grew stronger after Mark overcame a troubled childhood.
Together with his wife and children, Mark has embraced a new life in Nevada, balancing his roles as an actor, businessman, and dedicated family man.
As reported on June 5, The “Daddy’s Home” star had earlier put the first family home in Beverly Hills on the market for 90 million. Sources claimed that if he sold his house for the asking price, it would be the most expensive house sold in that area.
Rhea Durham and Mark Wahlberg at the Las Vegas premiere of Apple Original Film’s “The Family Plan” on December 13, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
In Nevada, with early morning routines and disciplined fitness, significant investments, and a vision for developing a film industry in Las Vegas, Mark is committed to providing a better life and environment for his family and career.
Enjoying his new surroundings, Mark has revealed how much he loves his early mornings in Nevada. He starts the day at 2:30 a.m. but gives himself an extra 30 minutes in bed on his day off.
By the time his family wakes up, he has already accomplished a lot. Mark begins with a 15-minute prayer, then hits the gym, showers, makes a few business calls, and reviews any scripts he’s working on.
Mark also puts in a lot of work to stay in shape, but his discipline extends beyond the gym to his diet. He completes his entire morning routine before breakfast because he only eats at six-hour intervals.
When he’s done with his morning routine, his wife and kids are awake, and it’s time for him to make them breakfast and prepare them for the day. He ends his day at 6:30 p.m., although his wife isn’t always thrilled with his early bedtime. He occasionally suggests dinner at 4:30 p.m., but convincing her isn’t always easy.
Besides investing in health, Mark has invested significantly in Nevada, choosing the state to build a shoe factory for his brand Municipal, and a modern Hollywood studio.
In 2022, he purchased 2.5 acres of prime land in the exclusive Summit Club in Las Vegas for $15.6 million. The 555-acre enclave, known for its luxurious megamansions, is located off Town Center Drive between Tropicana Avenue and Flamingo Road. It boasts a golf course, custom-built homes, and round-the-clock security.
Adding to the multi-million investments, Mark, in 2023, has actively lobbied Nevada state lawmakers to pass a bill encouraging more film production in Las Vegas. Standing outside the Nevada Legislature, he expressed his vision for local film studios to create jobs and diversify the economy.
“I’ve moved my last film here. I’m shooting another film here coming up in the summertime,” he said, emphasizing the abundant opportunities for prosperity and potential growth in the region.
The actor already spends his free time with his family, but with all the businesses he wants to pursue, his goal is to work from home and spend as much time with his wife and kids as possible.
Despite his successful business ventures, Mark reportedly faced an unresolved issue. Soccer icon and businessman David Beckham is taking legal action against the actor, as reported last April.
Mark Wahlberg spotted out in Sydney, Australia on March 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
A news outlet reported that the retired English soccer star’s firm, DB Ventures Ltd (DBVL), claimed that Mark had David collaborate with F45, a fitness center company, under false pretenses.
Mark Wahlberg working out during the opening of F45 Training at Miramar MCAs in San Diego, California on June 11, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
According to the source, David had agreed to become a global ambassador for the company upon moving to Los Angeles, where he developed a friendship with Mark.
In addition to suing Mark, David has sought legal repercussions against the actor’s firm, Mark Wahlberg Investment Group (MWIG). The soccer sensation is also suing the founders of F45, Rob Deutsch and Adam Gilchrist.
Mark Wahlberg and F45 Founder/CEO Adam Gilchrist pose at the New York Stock Exchange on July 15, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
David’s lawsuit has claimed that he lost over $10 million. He also alleged that this substantial loss occurred because his promised stocks were withheld until after their share prices plummeted.
David Beckham during the Quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on April 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
In response, Mark and his legal team have dismissed the allegations as baseless and are seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed by a judge. Reports indicate that Mark and the other defendants are even redirecting attention back onto Beckham and his firm.
Mark Wahlberg at the adoption event and screening of “Arthur The King” in Los Angeles, California on February 19, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
People who have heard the news, have expressed their feelings on the matter and pledged their allegiance to the side they’re on. By the look of it, the majority have ruled in Mark’s favor. “I am team Wahlberg. He is philanthropic and known as a good guy,” asserted a fan.
Another person chimed in, “David Beckham is being unfair/unreasonable. I don’t agree with David Beckham’s decision to sue, he is being too litigious/aggressive in this situation, he should try to resolve it amicably.”