Mark Walberg has hosted many game and reality shows, including The Moment of Truth, Temptation Island, Antiques Roadshow, and Russian Roulette. He is a consummate professional with a persistent smile, guiding shows along and making contestants feel comfortable no matter what kind of strange situation they're in.
Born: August 31st, 1962
Hometown: Florence, South Carolina
Family: Married to Robbi Morgan Walberg, two children
Known For: Hosting a variety of reality and game shows with style
How Mark Walberg Got His Start:
After attending Francis Marion University in South Carolina, Walberg decided to take a break from college and ended up working as an assistant at Dick Clark Productions. Soon he was hosting a sports magazine show on ESPN called Burnt Toast, and appearing on his first game show, Shop 'Til You Drop.
In 1995 Walberg attempted a nationally syndicated talk show, The Mark Walberg Show. Though he was an engaging and involved talk show host, the show only lasted one season. Walberg's real talent was in game shows and reality hosting.
An Impressive List of Hosting Gigs:
- The Moment of Truth
- Temptation Island
- Antiques Roadshow
- Russian Roulette
- Joe Millionaire: The Aftermath
- Friend or Foe
- House Rules
- The Mansion
- Free 4 All
- The Big Date
- On the Cover
Other Work:
Walberg was tapped to host the syndicated game show Trivial Pursuit: America Plays, and actually filmed the pilot episode. Reportedly, his contract with FOX for The Moment of Truth prevented him from taking on the show full-time.
He is also a regular player on the celebrity World Poker Tour, and has played as a celebrity contestant on game shows such as The Weakest Link and Lingo.
Production Credits:
Walberg, along with friend Mark DeCarlo, produced an original cable series in 2000 called Sunday Dinner. He has created other show pilots as well, including a feature-length documentary called The Young Americans.
Awards and Recognition:
- 2006 – Emmy Award Nominee for Outstanding Reality Program, for Antiques Roadshow
- 2007 - Emmy Award Nominee for Outstanding Reality Program, for Antiques Roadshow
Fun Facts:
- Walberg won on his appearance on The Weakest Link, beating out Mario Lopez to win $47,500 for the Goodwill of Southern California.
- He appeared in the made-for-TV movie I Want to Marry Ryan Banks.
- Mark Walberg is on the boards for Goodwill of Southern California and the Hollywood-Wiltshire YMCA.
- As if he's not already busy enough, Walberg also coaches his children's t-ball and basketball teams.
Quotes:
"The wrecking-your-family, evil-doer rap the show gets is crap. No family gets wrecked unless it's being wrecked anyway."
"By the time a contestant is on the show, they have begged to be there. I'm uncomfortable with their answers sometimes, and I think that's why I'm the right host for the show. I go in with trepidation rather than licking my chops waiting for their demise." – in a conference call to promote The Moment of Truth
