Born and raised in Charlottesville, VA. Mark left high school early to run off and join the Navy SEALs, seeking travel and a life of adventure. He has a beautiful daughter from a short lived marriage, whom he left the Navy to raise as a single dad. After leaving the Navy, Mark accepted a scholarship to Virginia Wesleyan College, considering a career in law. However, he got bit by the acting bug while performing in local Virginia and regional film and television productions. As well as providing military advising, special effects, and stunts for film, TV, re-enactments, and theater.