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Celebrity cameos have long been a staple in the film industry, often featuring high-profile personalities, sometimes at a steep price. However, in Mark Wahlberg’s latest action movie, “Play Dirty,” a significant cameo surprised even Wahlberg—not due to financial reasons but because of its unexpected nature. This cameo features none other than Mark Cuban, the billionaire media mogul and star of “Shark Tank.” Interestingly, Cuban is also an investor in Static Media, the parent company of Looper.
Amazon
Wahlberg expressed his surprise at Cuban’s participation, particularly given the scene’s context. In “Play Dirty,” Wahlberg’s character commits a shocking murder of Cuban’s character, then dismissively claims ignorance of Cuban’s identity. Despite the unflattering scenario, Cuban was game to participate, much to Wahlberg’s astonishment.
“We shot the majority of the film, and Cuban’s scenes were filmed later,” Wahlberg shared with Entertainment Weekly. Initially doubtful, Wahlberg admitted, “When I saw the final cut, I was like, ‘Wow, they really got him.’ I thought we’d end up using someone else’s name.”
Although Wahlberg was taken aback by Cuban’s agreement to the role, perhaps he shouldn’t have been. Cuban has a history of embracing cameos, often portraying himself in films and television shows for over two decades. His first appearance as himself was in a 2000 episode of “Walker, Texas Ranger,” and since then, he has made more appearances than one can easily list, particularly in comedies that relish in self-referential humor.
Shortly after his stint on “Walker, Texas Ranger,” Cuban featured on HBO’s comedy “Arli$$,” where he encountered a high-powered sports agent seeking to involve Cuban, as the Dallas Mavericks owner, in a unique calendar project. Cuban has also lent his voice to animated series like “The Simpsons” and “American Dad,” and appeared in business-themed live-action productions such as “Super Pumped,” “Hustle,” and “Billions,” often as a recurring guest, highlighting his penchant for embracing his public persona.
Mark Cuban loves cameos
HBO
Mark Wahlberg may have been surprised that businessman Mark Cuban agreed to appear in “Play Dirty,” but he probably shouldn’t have been. Cuban seems to love playing himself on the big screen and TV, and has been doing it for 25 years. His first cameo as himself came in an episode of “Walker, Texas Ranger” way back in 2000, and he’s since appeared in more TV shows and movies than we have time to list. But a few of his most memorable ones have been in comedies that aren’t afraid to poke fun at him.
Not long after his appearance in “Walker, Texas Ranger,” Cuban showed up on the HBO comedy “Arli$$,” where he bumps into a high-powered sports agent whose agency meets Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, to convince him to make a modeling calendar with the players. He’s also provided his voice in animated series, including episodes of “The Simpsons” and “American Dad,” and has appeared in live-action shows and movies centered on the world of business, like “Super Pumped,” “Hustle,” and “Billions,” where he was a recurring guest star.
His biggest role, though, was in the Wahlberg-produced HBO comedy-drama “Entourage,” a series known for its celebrity cameos. Cuban appeared in five episodes, and even returned for the follow-up film in 2015. That could explain why Cuban didn’t hesitate to help out Wahlberg one more time and show up in “Play Dirty.”
