During a literary festival in October 2025, Graham Norton recalled his difficult experience interviewing Mark Wahlberg on The Graham Norton Show in 2013, describing the actor as heavily intoxicated. This incident highlighted the challenges faced during the show, with Norton emphasizing that the production itself did not encourage excessive drinking. This revelation sheds light on the chaos that unfolded during this particular episode and the difficulties it posed for both the host and other guests.
The Challenges of Interviewing an Intoxicated Mark Wahlberg
Graham Norton explained that Wahlberg initially appeared sober when he arrived on set, engaging in casual conversation about his film and sharing stories about stunts. However, about 15 minutes into the episode, the effects of his intoxication became apparent, turning the interview into a chaotic ordeal.
If you ever see a drunk person on the show, it’s because they’ve arrived drunk – we have not made that happen,
Norton insisted.
Mark Wahlberg was a weird one because when he arrived, he didn’t seem drunk. He told me about his film, told me a couple of stories about stunts going wrong or whatever, and then it was only 15 minutes into the show when whatever the hell was in his system really took hold – and it was hell.
Observing the episode confirmed Norton’s account. Wahlberg’s behavior dominated the show, making it difficult for fellow guests Sarah Silverman and Michael Fassbender to participate. Silverman even had to ask Wahlberg to stop interrupting so she could finish her story.
No one could tell a story,
Norton added.
You tried to tell a story, he’d just interrupt and, at one stage, Michael Fassbender was telling a story and this one was going quite well. He was really getting into the heart of the anecdote. I thought, ‘this one is going well – I wonder why,’ and I looked over at Mark Wahlberg and he was asleep. So yeah, we don’t encourage that.
Show’s Policy on Alcohol and Wahlberg’s Pre-Loaded State
The show offers guests the option of having one alcoholic drink, with a possibility of topping up during the recording, but strictly limits consumption to two or three drinks at most. Norton suggested that those who want to appear intoxicated on the show usually come already “pre-loaded.”
but the most you can have is two, three tops. So if anyone does want to appear on the show and be drunk, my tip to you would be pre-load.
In Wahlberg’s case, it was clear he arrived under the influence, causing significant disruption. The recorded segment from the episode, lasting about five minutes, vividly shows Wahlberg’s slurred speech and inability to listen, marking him as not only intoxicated but also an irritating presence on stage.
Concerns About Wahlberg’s Public and Private Behavior
This incident raises concerns about how Wahlberg might behave outside public settings. His on-screen antics, though sometimes affectionate, border on troubling when intoxicated, leading to questions about his conduct in private environments. The awkwardness of the situation was evident enough to spark speculation among viewers and commentators.
Wahlberg’s disruptive drunkenness influenced the dynamics of one of the show’s most memorable episodes, highlighting the unexpected difficulties faced when a guest’s state interferes with the flow. It also sheds light on the limits and responsibilities of live interviews involving alcohol, illustrating the precarious balance between entertainment and professionalism.
