Justin Timberlake has identified Mark Wahlberg as a role model for his transition from pop star to serious actor.

Wahlberg started off his career as an underwear model and rapper, going under the name ’Marky Mark’, but later managed to make a successful move to acting and producing films.

"He did it in a smart way. He took some time off from the music and took roles where he could show some real chops. I guess I’m close to doing the same thing," the ’Rock Your Body’ singer told the Desert Sun.

"For me, I’ve had so many offers to do comedies, romantic comedies and slapstick. For me, I wanted to take it seriously and I wanted to be taken seriously. The roles I was really responding to were the dramas. I was lucky to work my way through them," the star added.

Timberlake will appear in three films in the coming year - Alpha Dog, Black Snake Moan, and Southland Tales - as well as lending his voice to a character in Shrek 3.