The actor had his wife and four children by his side at the ceremony on Hollywood Boulevard's famous pavement.

Wahlberg, who first rose to fame as 90s rapper Marky Mark, was a bit lost for words.

"I didn't prepare anything. I didn't know what to say," he said at the ceremony. "I really felt like this was a big practical joke."

Wahlberg had a short-lived stint in boy group New Kids On The Block along with his brother Donnie before recording as Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch.

Since giving up music Wahlberg's acting career has gone from strength to strength.

In 2006 he was nominated for an Oscar for his role in Martin Scorsese's The Departed.

"The last time I prepared something, was actually at the Academy Awards," Wahlberg said.

"I wrote a little speech, and, obviously, I didn't win that. It's just an honour to be nominated. And this is a great honour."

Will Ferrell, who co-stars with Wahlberg in new movie The Other Guys was on hand to remind the former Calvin Klein model about his past.

"I'm flattered and honoured to speak on Mark's behalf. I first became a fan from his workout video back in the early 90s.

"I loved him in all the Bourne movies," he joked. "Just the best."

He added: "But, in all honesty...not only is he one of the hardest-working guys, he's a great family man and just a great dude."

Since putting his teenage bad-boy ways behind him, Wahlberg has become a dedicated father and a practicing Roman Catholic.

"I start my day off every day by going to church. And I thank go for the blessings that have been bestowed upon me."

As well as a string of roles in high profile movies, Wahlberg is also working behind the camera.

He is an executive producer of the HBO series Entourage, In Treatment and Boardwalk Empire, which will be broadcast exclusively on Sky this autumn.