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Mark Wahlberg, who once had fans drooling over his Calvin Klein modeling ads, has gained admiration for his new physique.
The former rapper-turned-actor revealed his physical transformation in a before and after Instagram post many are calling his new "dad bod."
Wahlberg is seen in the first photo flashing his chiseled abs and is contrasted with the second photo of him with not-so-chiseled abs.
The actor—who turns 50 in June—gave a shout-out in his post to Chef Lawrence Duran, who assisted in his transformation.
"From left photo 3 weeks ago to this, now. Thanks to @chef_lawrence_d cooking."
He reportedly gained 20 pounds in three weeks for a role in an upcoming movie called Father Stu in which Wahlberg will play a boxer who becomes a priest.
His transformation photo earned him much praise from fellow celebs and fans.
Access Hollywood's Mario Lopez wrote:
"You wear mad chubby well, homie!"
@markwahlberg/Instagram
Dr. Oz said of the juxtaposed photo:
"I think you look just as good on the left as you do on the right."
@markwahlberg/Instagram
Wahlberg's post was flooded with comments expressing both support and some harmless teasing from fans.
@markwahlberg/Instagram
@markwahlberg/Instagram
@markwahlberg/Instagram
@markwahlberg/Instagram
@markwahlberg/Instagram
@markwahlberg/Instagram
Wahlberg's wife, Rhea, also chimed in and commented:
"And it looks just as hot in person baby."
The reveal of Wahlberg's relaxed transformation follows fellow actor Will Smith being "real wit y'all" by showing his dad bod in an Instagram post from Sunday.
The 52-year-old actor, known for his rigorous training regimen to prep for roles like I Am Legend, took to Instagram and posted a photo of himself flashing a grin, as well as his chest and stomach.
He admitted:
"I'm in the worst shape of my life."
Both he and Wahlberg sharing their honest celeb photos resonated with many on social media who are all too familiar with the consequences of being in quarantine during the pandemic.