Mark Wahlberg gives Jeremy Allen White's Calvin Klein undie ad his approval, deems him a 'worthy' successor

In addition to lending his support, Wahlberg is sending the Emmy-winning "Bear" actor a script for a new project.

Former Calvin Klein underwear model Mark Wahlberg has officially given his approval for Jeremy Allen White's latest campaign for the brand.

Wahlberg, who starred in undie ads for the brand throughout the early 1990s, recently told PEOPLE that The Bear actor is "absolutely" a worthy successor to him.

“There’s been many, many worthy successors," Wahlberg said.

Calvin Klein often taps major celebrities for their underwear campaigns. In the past they have included Justin Bieber, Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Dornan, A$AP Rocky, and Kellan Lutz.

Wahlberg also said he's a fan of White's work, adding that he hopes to work with the Emmy winner. “I think that guy's really talented,” he told PEOPLE. “So we're sending him a script — a cool story that we think he'd be great for.”

mark wahlberg approves of jeremy allen white's calvin klein ad, calls him one of many worthy successors
Underwear icons Jeremy Allen White and Mark Wahlberg.

Mert Alas; Michael Cali/Shutterstock

Calvin Klein released its spring 2024 campaign featuring White earlier this year, and it quickly went viral, sparking hysteria across social media.

After their show picked up three wins at the 2024 Golden Globes (including Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy), White's Bear costars were shown one of the steamy campaign photos backstage — but it was too much to bear, with Ayo Edebiri removing the poster from their view.

"I'm putting it away. That's my boy!" Edebiri said.

Her costar Abby Elliott added, "This is family!"

"This is family. This is a work function!" Edebiri quipped.

Centered on a New York fine-dining chef (White) who returns to Chicago to run his family's sandwich shop after the death of his brother, the hit FX series was recently renewed for a fourth season amid production of season 3. The third season will return sometime in June.

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