[1] Wahlberg's criminal record grew to include arrests for public drunkenness and disorderly conduct which then led to two jail sentences before the age of twenty-two.
[5][better source needed] The films showcase the harsh realities of addiction and have featured family members of people who have died of an accidental overdose as extras and actors.
[citation needed] Walhberg is also known for being a personality on the A&E show "Wahlburgers" which took a deep dive into the lives and families behind the successful restaurant chain.
[8][better source needed] In 2015, an exclusive Wahlburgers episode aired the Festival of Families celebration in Philadelphia, where Jim and brothers Donnie and Mark met with Pope Francis, thus furthering Wahlberg's relationship with his faith.
He is credited as an executive producer on Wahl Street, a docu-series that aired in 2021 on HBO Max that followed his brother Mark Wahlberg's business interests.
[8][11][better source needed] Wahlberg wrote his first book in August 2020, debuting his memoir The Big Hustle: A Boston Street Kid's Story of Addiction and Redemption.
[14][better source needed] The memoir debuted to praise from critics for its brutal honesty and transparent storytelling and was sold out on Amazon in the first week.