Donnie Wahlberg has expertly balanced his dual careers as a member of New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) and as Detective Danny Reagan on Blue Bloods. Speaking at the PaleyFest Blue Bloods panel, he reflected on the joy of juggling these roles and how he’s managed the demands of both.
Wahlberg, who skyrocketed to fame in the late ’80s with NKOTB alongside Danny Wood, Joey McIntyre, and brothers Jonathan and Jordan Knight, has navigated the pressures of performing while acting since Blue Bloods premiered in 2010. He shared, “There’s no pressure to get off of a plane at 6 a.m. and run to the set… In fact, it’s a dream come true.”
He acknowledged that while the balancing act can be challenging, he has always aspired to be in this position. “I worked my whole life to be part of something this magical,” he said, reflecting on both his musical and acting successes. Despite the ups and downs of his career, he emphasized that his struggles are trivial compared to those of his parents.
Wahlberg also highlighted the rewarding moments that come from his unique position. He recounted a memorable encounter from season one, when Tom Selleck complimented him after his performance at the American Music Awards. “It was like, Tom Selleck watched my band. These are things I could only dream of as a little boy,” he reminisced, showcasing the blend of his two worlds.
As Blue Bloods wraps up with its 14th season, Wahlberg continues to thrive with NKOTB, recently releasing their album Still Kids and announcing an upcoming Las Vegas residency. With both endeavors going strong, Wahlberg feels truly blessed to be able to pursue his passions.
