Donnie Wahlberg Admits He Should Prioritize Time with His Siblings More — and 'Encourage' Brother Mark Wahlberg to Do the Same

Mar. 15, 2025

Donnie Wahlberg on November 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.Photo:Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty

Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty

Donnie Wahlberg’sBlue Bloodscharacter prompted him to reevaluate how much time he does — or doesn’t —spend with his siblings.

The actor, 55, recently toldVarietythat although he comes from a large family, his career sometimes takes priority.

“It’s not that I’m not committed to my family, but I live in a different state than my siblings,” Wahlberg, who has ninebrothers and sisters, said. “I think when you come from a big family, you can stay close, but my career has taken me all over the world, and it still does.”

TheBand of Brothersactor continued: “My sister always calls and says, ‘Come on, Mom’s gone now, let’s all fly to Boston and do Thanksgiving.’ A lot of times I’m like, ‘It’s a long flight. I’ve been flying back and forth, filming and going on tour. I just want to sit at home and put on the fireplace and be with my wife and my dogs.’ ”

But as Donnie continued, he noted, “Maybe I need to hop on a plane and do a little bit more of those occasions with the siblings and encourageMark [Wahlberg]to get on a plane and do the same.”

Donnie Wahlberg with his sister, Tracy, and brothers Mark Wahlberg and Bob Wahlberg at the opening of the movie, “Southie.".Bill Brett/The Boston Globe/Getty

Donnie and Mark, 53, are the eighth and ninth siblings, respectively, following Michelle, Arthur, Paul, Jim, Robert, Tracey, and Debbie, who died at age 43.

All nine children were born to Alma Wahlberg, who worked as a bank clerk and nurse’s aide, and Donald Wahlberg Sr., who was a delivery driver after serving in the Korean War.

Donnie Wahlberg, Paul Wahlberg and Mark Wahlberg attend the Wahlburgers Coney Island VIP Preview Party on June 23, 2015 in New York City.Mireya Acierto/FilmMagic

Mireya Acierto/FilmMagic

The popular police procedural is coming to an end after 14 seasons, and Donnie toldVarietythat onhis final day on set of the series in June, he “couldn’t turn off the tears for another probably two days” after the show wrapped.

He revealed that Selleck, 79, had read a poem to the cast after they filmed their final Reagan family dinner scene — a scene that was featured in every episode of the show — and it triggered his tears.

Will Estes as Jamie Reagan, Vanessa Ray as Officer Eddie Janko, Bridget Moynahan as Erin Reagan, Tom Selleck as Frank Reagan, Sami Gayle as Nicky Reagan-Boyle, Donnie Wahlberg as Danny Reagan in “Blue Bloods”.John Paul Filo/CBS via Getty

John Paul Filo/CBS via Getty

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The series finale ofBlue Bloodsairs Friday, Dec. 13 at 10 p.m. ET on CBS.

source: people.com