Born and raised in the metropolitan Detroit area, Mark's initial foray into the world of acting took place during his high school years under the guidance of renowned director Neil Brown. Brown, impressed by Mark's natural talent, encouraged him to continue exploring the craft. However, Mark's initial aspirations lay elsewhere, as he was drawn to the idea of being "behind the scenes," creating short films and music "videos" before the advent of MTV.
Mark's academic pursuits led him to Western Michigan University, where he enrolled in the film program. Tragedy struck, however, when a football injury necessitated surgery, prompting Mark to leave school and enter the workforce. He went on to start a family, putting his acting ambitions on the backburner.
Years later, in 1995, Mark rekindled his passion for acting, auditioning for a role in the production of "Frankenstein" at a local theatre in Huntington, Indiana. It was during this audition that Mark's life took a dramatic turn, as he was cast in the role of "The Creature" by director Linda Willard. This pivotal moment marked a turning point in Mark's career, as he credits Willard's faith in him with rekindling his desire to pursue acting full-time.
