Actor Donnie Wahlberg, known for starring in Blue Bloods, recently opened up about experiencing self-doubt when he was cast in the police procedural drama. The series, which initially premiered in 2010 on CBS, follows the professional and personal lives of the Reagan family, who are deeply rooted in law enforcement as they navigate the complexities of justice in New York City.
Starring alongside Tom Selleck, Wahlberg portrays the role of Danny Reagan in the series. However, the actor recently shared that he was doubtful about his future on the CBS drama upon meeting Selleck, who plays his on-screen father, Frank Reagan.
Donnie Wahlberg Had Apprehensions Upon Meeting Tom Selleck
During his recent appearance on the Brotherly Love podcast, the 54-year-old actor Donnie Wahlberg reflected on landing the role of Danny Reagan in Blue Bloods. He also recalled that his co-star Tom Selleck, who’s a fan of Band of Brothers, was excited about working with him.
“[Selleck] was really excited, cause he was a fan of Band of Brothers, so he was like ‘Oh yeah, this guy’s good,” he recalled. However, The Sixth Sense actor was not feeling the same after he met Selleck in person. “But I walked in the room and he’s like 6’4”, I’m like 5’11” I think,” he shared.
Wahlberg recalled feeling anxious upon meeting the Friends star, who was set to play his father on the show. His insecurities stemmed from their notable physical differences, leading to Wahlberg’s concerns that he might be fired soon after joining the cast.
“He’s got so much hair, his eyebrows are so bushy—I didn’t even care about the mustache, I was like, ‘How am I this dude’s son?’ I was like, ‘They’re gonna fire me tomorrow.'”
It wasn’t until he met Len Cariou, who played Danny’s grandfather, that Wahlberg found solace. The actor shared that Cariou’s shorter stature and similar hairline reassured him about his place within the show’s family dynamic. “Alright, I got his genes. I’m good,” he shared during the interview.
Donnie Wahlberg Shared Touching Story of Life-Saving Gesture
In an appearance on SiriusXM’s TikTok Radio, Donnie Wahlberg recounted the remarkable encounter he had during one of the concerts with his band New Kids on the Block. The singer-actor revealed that a fan in the front row of one of their concerts displayed a sign pleading for a kidney transplant.
In an attempt to help her, Wahlberg and his bandmates took selfies with the sign and posted it on social media. Little did they know, that their actions would lead to a life-saving gesture. “And we just happened to see the sign, took selfies with it, posted it, and another fan donated her kidney,” he shared, via Billboard.
Walhberg further stated, “Another Blockhead risked her life to do it.” Theresa Crockett, who found a kidney donor with the help of the boy band, took to Instagram to express her profound gratitude by reposting Wahlberg’s interview.
“Everyday I’m so Thankful for this journey and to be able to live a normal life !” she mentioned in the caption of the post, expressing her gratefulness towards New Kids on the Block and her donor. New Kids on the Block is set to release their eighth and first new album in 11 years, Still Kids.
Still Kids is set to release on May 17, 2024.
Blue Bloods is available to stream on Prime Video.
