Before the telephone interview, I am advised by an assistant to the star not to mention the name Marky Mark, by which Boston-born Mark Wahlberg became famous as a rapper after achieving notoriety as a male underwear model for Calvin Klein. These days, I am informed, Wahlberg is trying to consolidate his serious image as an action star and talented actor — with a supporting Oscar nomination (for "The Departed," 2006) under his belt. After all, he's now in his late 30s (born June 5, 1971, the youngest of nine children).

As the interview opens, Wahlberg states that normally he is wary of "saying too much about myself, you know, revealing more than it's good for me." He explains why he's doing this interview by saying, "I understand you're writing it for Japan only," stressing the latter word.

"It's in your own backyard where you get judged the worst, you know," he continues. "Other places, other peoples, they seem to appreciate you more, not to judge you or wait for a chance to try and shoot you down."