Donnie Wahlberg’s Transformation Through the Years: See the ‘Blue Bloods’ Star Then and Now

From New Kids on the Block to Blue Bloods, Donnie Wahlberg has had quite an incredible career. The singer’s transformation in the spotlight has been amazing to watch, as he gears up to lead his own CBS offshoot series, Boston Blue, slated for the fall of 2025.

“So excited to carry on the tradition, to share so many surprises, to answer some unanswered questions and to welcome all of you — to #BostonBlue! The next chapter in the #BlueBloods legacy begins. I can’t wait. See you CBS fall!” he said about reprising his role of Danny Reagan on the upcoming show.

Closer takes a look back at photos of the star from the start of his career to now!

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1990s

Donnie’s rise to fame came as a member of New Kids on the Block, the group responsible for hits like “Step by Step” and “You Got It.”

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1990s

This photo is the ultimate throwback of Donnie as a youngster amid his NKOTB success.

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1993

The CBS star was seen at LAX airport in December 1993, and his outfit was the pinnacle of ’90s fashion. NKOTB split the following year.

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2006

The Boston native attended the 2006 Summer Television Critics Association Press Tour for the The CW Network in California. He played Paul Rader in the show Runaway in 2006.

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2013

Fans were thrilled when NKOTB reunited in 2008, releasing more music and heading back to the stage. They excitedly announced their North American tour in 2013.

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2015

Donnie looked confident and stylish while performing with the band at Allstate Arena in Illinois.

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2019

He showed off his moves while performing on the Mixtape tour with NKOTB in Michigan in a classic white outfit.

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2016

While attending the 2016 American Music Awards in California, Donnie opted for a pink suede suit jacket for his red carpet look.

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2022

Donnie debuted as Danny Reagan on Blue Bloods in 2014 alongside Tom Selleck. Here he is in the episode titled “First Blush.”

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2024

Blue Bloods ended in December 2024 despite it’s success on CBS after 14 seasons.

“Lots of emotion swirling, as I’m sure they are for all of you loyal fans and followers of this show. I say farewell (for now) with no regrets — only gratitude!” he reflected at the time.

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2025

Donnie, pictured here with his wife, Jenny McCarthy, signed on to reprise his role of Danny in Boston Blue, set to air during the 2025-2026 broadcast season on CBS.

“In BOSTON BLUE, a universe expansion of the long-running top drama BLUE BLOODS, Wahlberg will reprise his role as NYPD officer Danny Reagan as he takes a position with Boston PD,” a press release revealed. “Once in Boston, he is paired with detective Lena Peters, the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family.”

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