'Pain and Gain' Star Wahlberg On Boston Bombings

A native Bostonian himself, Mark Wahlberg weighed in on last week's tragic bombings in that city at the premiere of his new movie Pain and Gain.

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"I just really appreciate how the entire country, all the cities across the country, the entire world, has really rallied around Boston -- and all the thoughts and the prayers are going to start the healing," Wahlberg said.

The actor was born and raised in the Dorchester community of Boston before starting his career as rapper Marky Mark and The Funky Bunch. He credits his upbringing in Boston with helping him become the person he is today.

"I went to school two blocks from where the bombs went off. I go to dinner every time I'm home right on that street right in front of those places. But Boston is a very special place and I wouldn't be the man I am today if I wasn’t raised in Boston. It gives me the strength and pride and the courage to go out there and do what I do. We'll be okay."

The Boogie Nights actor says his family and friends live very close to the area where the bombs exploded during the Boston Marathon, claiming the lives of three people and injuring more than 140 others. Wahlberg hasn't been back to Boston since the tragedy, but is planning on visiting this weekend.

"I was in New York when it happened and I was compelled to run home and check on my mom... Everybody was affected. It's a very small community. Everybody knows everybody who was hurt directly and it's just a horrible thing and we're just praying that everyone can start healing."

Pain and Gain features Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Community’s Ken Jeong, Tony Shaloub and newcomer actress/model, Bar Paly. It tells the story of a trio of bodybuilders in Florida who get caught up in an extortion ring and kidnapping scheme that goes terribly wrong.

The stars of the film lined up on the red carpet for the premiere sans Dwayne Johnson, who was home recovering from "minor surgery" due to a wrestling injury. Director Michael Bay had some encouraging words for Johnson.

"It's too bad, but I told him he's getting older and he needs to stop wrestling 300 pound men. He needs to grow up. That's what Wahlberg says. Wahlberg says he's gotta grow up," Bay said jokingly about Johnson's injury sustained during a WWE match.

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Check out the video for more comments on the Boston tragedy from the stars of Pain and Gain, which hits theaters April 26.