Donnie Wahlberg Shares How His Relationship with His Sons Influenced His Role in Boston Blue: 'It's a Beautiful Feeling'

Donnie Wahlberg at Det. Danny Reagan on Boston Blue.
Credit:

John Medland/CBS

Key Points

Donnie Wahlberg draws inspiration from his bond with his sons for his portrayal of Danny Reagan in *Boston Blue*, enhancing the father-son narrative.
The *Blue Bloods* spinoff showcases Wahlberg’s growth as a parent, allowing him to express a softer side in his acting.
Wahlberg commends co-star Mika Amonsen and the *Boston Blue* cast for their strong teamwork and chemistry, contributing to the series’ renewed identity.

For Donnie Wahlberg, the father-son dynamic depicted in *Boston Blue* is deeply personal and reflects his own experiences with his children. This connection is evident in his portrayal of Detective Danny Reagan, who transitions from New York City to Boston to support his son, Sean, a police officer.

The new series is a spinoff of CBS’s *Blue Bloods*, which ran for 14 seasons. Wahlberg reprises his role, challenging the notion that Danny wouldn’t leave New York. “So many people say, ‘Well, Danny would never leave New York. It’s not believable, and his son wouldn’t want him in Boston,'” Wahlberg explains. “I have a 24-year-old son, and I can’t tell you how many times he’s asked me in the last year to move back to California to be close to him.” He shares this sentiment with his two sons, Xavier and Elijah, from his first marriage, and his stepson Evan with wife Jenny McCarthy.

“It’s the most wonderful feeling in my personal life, and I’m watching it play out in my TV life,” Wahlberg remarks. “Every time there’s doubt about my character staying in town, I just think of my son’s text and I say, ‘Oh, you think a son wouldn’t want to be close to his dad?’ There’s no reason for Danny to leave New York any more than for his son.”

Elijah Wahlberg and Donnie Wahlberg in 2020; Donnie Wahlberg and his sons Xavier and Elijah.

Kevin Mazur/Getty ; Donnie Wahlberg Instagram

Since 2015, Wahlberg and McCarthy have resided in St. Charles, Illinois, balancing busy filming schedules that involve weekly commutes to Toronto for *Boston Blue* and Los Angeles for *The Masked Singer*, on which McCarthy is a judge. Wahlberg also spends substantial time in Las Vegas, performing with New Kids on the Block.

“Probably the only thing that could ever get me back to California is my two sons. If they keep asking, Jenny and I are going to start looking at homes online,” he jokes.

Donnie Wahlberg and Sonequa Martin-Green on Boston Blue.

John Medland/CBS

His family’s influence is significant in shaping his character for the new series, especially as his sons pursue their own musical paths—Xavier tours with a hardcore band and Elijah performs with Pink Laces.

“I love the relationship I have with my sons, and I enjoy bringing that dynamic into my portrayal,” Wahlberg states. “Danny is a tougher parent than I am, but I think my softer side is reflected in how I approach the character.”

Mika Amonsen on the set of Boston Blue.

Christos Kalohoridis/CBS

Wahlberg’s on-screen son, Sean, is now portrayed by Mika Amonsen, who stepped into the role after Andrew Terraciano’s recasting. “Mika’s been fantastic. He has taken on the challenge of filling the shoes of another actor, and that’s commendable,” Wahlberg adds, noting the bond that developed between them early on.

Donnie Wahlberg and Sonequa Martin-Green behind the scenes while filming Boston Blue.

Michele Crowe/CBS

“There are scenes in some of the episodes that I just can’t imagine doing with anyone else,” Wahlberg shares. “I’m really grateful that he took this opportunity.”

The chemistry among the cast, which includes seasoned actors like Gloria Reuben, Ernie Hudson, and Sonequa Martin-Green, is palpable. Wahlberg elaborates, “I’m not surprised, but I’m truly impressed by the friendships we have formed. I feel very protective of this little family we’ve built.”

Donnie Wahlberg as Danny Reagan in Boston Blue.

While Wahlberg is a familiar face from *Blue Bloods*, other cast members are establishing their characters in this new narrative. “We knew we had a legacy to uphold, but we are all carving out our own path within the *Blue Bloods* universe,” he remarks.

Wahlberg emphasizes team dynamics, stating, “I couldn’t be the typical Danny, the lone wolf. I had to ensure that everyone felt empowered to make this show their own—and it truly is now our show.”

*Boston Blue* airs Fridays at 10 p.m. ET on CBS, with the mid-season finale scheduled for December 19.