Which A-List Hollywood Star Just Earned a High School Diploma...at the Age of 42?

His movies have earned almost $2 billion at the box office. His production company has generated hit shows like "Entourage," "Boardwalk Empire" and "In Treatment." And yet, Mark Wahlberg felt like he needed to finish something that most people complete when they are 17 and 18 years old -- graduate from high school.

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Wahlberg didn't miss out on finishing high school because he was pop star Marky Mark (with the Funky Bunch) -- he dropped out in ninth grade because his life was out of control and he was actually charged with attempted murder.

In a blog published Sunday on the Huffington Post, Wahlberg announced that he had just won his "toughest role yet: high school grad." In it, Wahlberg included statistics about how much more money typical high school grads earn compared to drop outs, but also shared some very personal feelings from the juvenile delinquent turned boy bander turned actor and producer:

I can now look at my kids every day knowing that I didn't just do this for me -- I did it for them, and I did it for all the other teens and adults who have inspired me by their commitment to graduate.

If we don't live by example, then what do we live by? I am proud to re-introduce myself to you today as: Mark Wahlberg - High School Graduating Class of 2013.

The 42-year-old actor-producer told People magazine that he studied on the set of his last film, "Two Guns," used a tutor (he had a problem with math), and actually kept it all a secret from co-star Denzel Washington.

"Denzel was always asking me what I was doing but I didn't want to share that information with him," Wahlberg said.

Wahlberg's accomplishment was also meant to be an example for the estimated 40 million American adults who lack a high school diploma. His charity, the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, is partnering with the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens to help make it easier for any adult interested in earning their high school certification.

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