Professional Bio

Mark Atteberry

Award-Winning Actor | Acclaimed Photographer | Talented Musician | Inspiring Coach

About Mark

Mark Atteberry is a multifaceted artist and industry expert known for his achievements as an actor, photographer, musician, and coach. With decades of experience in entertainment and the arts, Mark has built a reputation as a creative visionary and mentor. His diverse talents and dedication have made him a sought-after presence in Hollywood, classrooms, and galleries alike.

Early Life & Music Beginnings

Born in the picturesque Northern California Wine Country and raised in the little town of Sebastopol, Mark’s artistic journey began with music. As a young trombonist and keyboardist, he gained recognition performing with jazz bands and orchestras across the region. After moving to Southern California, Mark earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Biola University and continued his studies at USC.

Mark’s early career as a studio musician saw him playing on numerous albums and with prominent orchestras like the Pacific Symphony in Orange County. He also performed with several rock bands in Los Angeles and New York, including The Bonaphones and Nancy Boy. But it was his stints in pit orchestras that sparked a deeper interest in acting, ultimately leading to the next chapter of his creative journey.

Acting Career

Mark’s professional acting debut came unexpectedly when a friend dared him to audition for a lead role in the infamous Witches Hanging show at Knott’s Scary Farm. Not only did he book it, the experience ignited his passion for performance and opened doors to a wonderful career. Mark soon after secured his first agent and began appearing in indie films and commercials for major brands like Nissan, AT&T, Jack in the Box, Partnership for a Drug Free America, E*TRADE and more. 

To improve his commercial and comedy work, Mark joined Second City and LA Connection, where he performed improv shows weekly. Determined to refine his craft, he studied under renowned acting coaches such as Tracy Roberts, Roy London, Vladimir Ilyin of the Moscow Art Theatre, and Larry Moss. His indie film work in projects like Miranda July’s The Future and the multi award winning Butterfly Circus allowed him to showcase his range as an actor and laid the foundation for future opportunities. 

After a critically acclaimed performance in Sam Shepard’s play Angel City, Mark secured the incredible Eileen O’Farrell as his manager and they’ve been together now for over 20 years. 

Mark’s breakout role came when he appeared in Ang Lee’s Hulk. More prominent roles soon followed. Some of Mark’s more notable acting credits include features like David Fincher’s Gone Girl and hit television shows like Lincoln Lawyer, Yellowstone, Dahmer, Curb Your Enthusiasm, This Is Us, 9-1-1, S.W.A.T., Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Black-ish, Grace and Frankie, Scandal, NCIS, Grey’s Anatomy, Rules of Engagement, Criminal Minds, The Newsroom, Dexter, Justified, 24, For The People, Bones, The Newsroom, Dexter, House, M.D., The Mentalist and many more. With a vast resume spanning drama, comedy, and action, he continues to captivate audiences with his versatility and talent.

Photography Career

Mark is a celebrated photographer specializing in fine art, editorial, and portrait photography. Self-taught and mentored by his uncle Ray Rasmussen and the renowned Bobbi Lane, Mark developed a keen eye for texture, light, and form. His work emphasizes the raw beauty of the common objects around us and the human experience, often highlighting the interplay of shape, light and shadow. Some of his clients include include Bravo, Venice Magazine, Big Lots, NBC, CBS, A&E, WME, and CAA.

Mark’s photography journey began with documenting everyday textures and “on the street” moments, eventually evolving into a career that has seen his work featured in galleries, prestigious publications, and television shows. As a sought-after headshot photographer, Mark’s portfolio includes numerous stars and celebrities. In the early 2000s, Backstage Magazine named him one of the “Best Headshot Photographers in Los Angeles,” and in 2010, the Photography for Social Change Foundation honored him as one of the Top 100 documentary-style photographers.

Today, you’ll find an increasing number of Mark’s fine art prints in galleries, stores, and buildings throughout the country. He continues to push the boundaries of photography, exploring new techniques of visual storytelling and capturing the ever-changing landscape of our planet. 

Teaching & Coaching

Mark is a passionate teacher and mentor with a knack for guiding artists to uncover their unique potential. He founded Be A Working Actor Studios (BAWA) in 2004, a professional acting studio that helps performers identify their strengths, define their niche, and excel in auditions and performances.

Known for his empathetic and insightful approach, Mark has taught at universities, acting schools, and industry organizations across the country. He has worked with actors at every level, from beginners to recognizable stars. His workshops, including the popular Know Your Type, Define Your Niche course, focus on helping actors to find a technique that is specific to them, build confidence and master both the technical and emotional aspects of performance. Mark has written several acting books including The Working Actor’s Guide to LA and The Stunt Guide.

As a teacher of photography, Mark has taught courses such as Portrait Lighting, How to Get a Winning Performance Out of Your Model, and How to Shoot Actor’s Headshots. He has coached numerous students privately and teaches occasionally at the Los Angeles Center of Photography (formerly the Julia Dean Photo Workshops). 

Personal Life & Legacy

While Mark Atteberry has enjoyed significant professional success, he remains a relatively private individual. He is deeply grounded by his faith, family, and love of life’s simple pleasures. When he’s not working, he enjoys cooking international cuisine, woodworking, skiing around the country, and giving back to charitable causes. Despite his professional success, Mark remains humble and committed to mentoring others.

Mark’s legacy is one of creativity, inspiration, and generosity. Whether acting on screen, capturing stunning images on camera, or coaching the next generation of talent, he continues to leave an indelible mark on the arts and entertainment world.