Mark Wahlberg admits he was going to end up in jail during his criminal life

Mark Wahlberg. Photo / Getty Images

Mark Wahlberg had a "few confrontations" when he left gang life behind.

The Ted 2 star - who was arrested numerous times in his youth and spent time in jail for assault - realised while behind bars he needed to change his ways and get his life back on track but not everyone supported his decision.

He said: "[It was] just a matter of 'OK, do I want to get high, end up in jail, or focus, get out of here and never look back?

"[There were a] few confrontations [with gang members]."

The 44-year-old actor - who has children Ella, 11, Michael, eight, Brendan, six, and five-year-old Grace with wife Rhea Durham - admits he never imagined he would go on to be as successful, and make his family as comfortable, as he has been with his movie career.

Mark Wahlberg in his younger 'bad boy' days. Photo / Getty Images

He told the new issue of Men's Health magazine: "I'm able to provide for my family in a way that I never dreamt of, certainly in a way my parents weren't able to provide for us. If my kids want to go to college, they're going to be able to do all those things."

Mark has previously admitted he always knew he would end up in jail because of his lifestyle.

He said: "As soon as I began that life of crime, there was always a voice in my head telling me I was going to end up in jail. Three of my brothers had done time. My sister went to prison so many times I lost count."

- Bang! Showbiz