Interview by Lori Bizzoco. Written by Lauren Burczyk.
Mark Walberg (not to be confused with Mark Wahlberg) is an American actor, television personality and talk show host known for his time on Antiques Roadshow, Russian Roulette, The Moment of Truth, and both the original (Fox Network: 2001) and most recently rebooted (USA Network: 2019), Temptation Island. Walberg’s role on Temptation Island is divided between being the host of the show and a relationship expert of sorts who guides confused couples through all types of relationship struggles — stagnant relationships, trust issues, and ultimatums. In our exclusive celebrity interview, Walberg offers our visitors valuable dating advice on how to make a relationship stand the test of time!
Celebrity Interview with Mark Walberg: Temptation Island — Dating Advice, and His Secret to a Long, Healthy Marriage.
Many of us remember Temptation Island from when it first aired on Fox in 2001. Controversial from the start, the show followed four couples who were struggling in their relationships and couldn’t decide whether to stick together or call it quits. The premise of the show was to separate these couples on a beautiful island, and surround them by members of the opposite sex for a few weeks.
The first season of the show delivered solid ratings, but the next two seasons did not and unfortunately, Temptation Island was cancelled. Fast forward to 2019 and the current state of digital dating and instant gratification, and Temptation Island is back again, newly rebooted with Walberg as the host for a fourth season. “It feels great to do it [host Temptation Island] again,” says the reality tv star and husband of 31 years. “I really had no hesitations. I was pretty sure the show would be relevant today and new audiences would enjoy it!” Walberg couldn’t be more right, as Temptation Island was just renewed for a second season.
However, a lot has changed in the world since the show went off the air in 2003 and Walberg’s personal life is no exception. “It’s the same in that I was married then and married still so my perspective hasn’t changed,” he explains. “However, I’m more in the ‘dad zone’ now and I have some years of experience to add.”
Despite the potential for a more accepting audience, there are many skeptics of the show and its theme. Some feel that the four couples are willingly putting their relationships in danger by opening their hearts to temptation and dating other people. That being said, it’s not out of the question for an experience like this to strengthen a couple’s bond. Walberg elaborates, saying, “I wouldn’t advise this experience for couples. It’s extreme. And it’s TV. That said, I am certain that these couples will find the truth about how they feel about one another through this experience. And that knowledge will either make them stronger as a couple or stronger as an individual.”
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The current couples on the 2019 reboot of Temptation Island are Karl Collins and Nicole Tutewohl from Chicago, IL, Evan Smith and Kaci Campbell from Los Angeles, CA, Javen Butler and Shari Ligons from San Francisco, CA, and John Thurmond and Kady Krambeer from Forth Worth, TX.
Mark gave us insight on a few of the couples on the show:
When it comes down to commitment, Evan and Kaci are at odds after being together for several years. “There’s no rhyme or reason to why people fall for one another,” says Walberg. “I call it the lightning strike. But, ultimatums for marriage are never the way to enter into that commitment.”
Contestants John and Kady had their own issues coming into the show, not knowing if they were right for one another. On the show, Kady is tempted by a single man in the house who makes her feel desired and more like herself, Dr. Johnny Alexander. Are they a better couple than John and Kady? “I can’t say who’s a “better couple,” says Walberg. “What matters is that each of them find partners that respect and love them. If that’s not there, it’s not going to work. If Kady feels safer and more supported with Dr. Johnny, then that’s her path. It’s actually better for everyone in the end.”
Speaking of temptation, contestants Shari and Javen have been together since high school, but Shari has many insecurities because Javen cheated on her while he was in college. You’d think going on a show all about temptation might worsen those insecurities, but Walberg has a different perspective. ”Maybe her insecurities will go away altogether,” he says. “That’s a couple to keep watching…”
Well, as Walberg says, we’ll have to keep watching to see what will happen with each couple. ”My hope is that they leave the island with the answers they’re looking for in the end,” he says. “Although, I warned them that their questions will change, there was a lot of personal growth among the cast.”
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The reality is, not everyone has the opportunity to go on a television show like Temptation Island. So, what can everyday couples do to keep their relationships on track? Walberg, whose long, healthy relationship with his wife makes him the perfect host for Temptation Island, thinks the answer is, “Communicate, compromise, forgive. That’s it. Oh…and love one another!” And, there’s no one secret for a happy marriage, he says. “I could try to give advice all day, but really it comes down to one thing… my wife and I love each other! That’s it!” And, resisting temptation is key as well, of course. “Social media has made it so tempting,” Walberg says. “Temptation is at your fingertips. Like advertising! I don’t know how to change that except to always remind yourself not to let ‘better’ be the evil of ‘good.’ Nothing’s perfect, but if you love one another, you can work it out.”
You can keep up with Mark L. Walberg by following him on Twitter and Instagram. Make sure to check out “Temptation Island” Tuesdays at 10/9c on USA Network.
