‘Couldn’t Turn Off the Tears’ for Two Days After Wrapping Blue Bloods, Donnie Wahlberg Says
The Blue Bloods series has become a staple for television audiences, and the emotional rollercoaster experienced by both its characters and its cast is undeniable. For Donnie Wahlberg, who portrayed Detective Danny Reagan for over a decade, saying goodbye to the show was an incredibly emotional experience. In a recent interview, Wahlberg opened up about how deeply the end of Blue Bloods affected him, revealing that he “couldn’t turn off the tears” for two days after filming his final scenes.
A Journey Full of Emotions
Wahlberg’s portrayal of Danny Reagan has been at the heart of Blue Bloods, with his character undergoing a complex and evolving journey. From personal loss to professional challenges, Danny’s storyline has been one filled with intense emotional moments. The show has not only been a career milestone for Wahlberg but also an emotional investment that he shares with his co-stars and the show’s fanbase.
After wrapping the final scenes, Wahlberg admitted that it was hard to process the reality of leaving behind such an iconic role. “I couldn’t turn off the tears for two days,” he shared. “It wasn’t just about saying goodbye to the set or the role—it was about leaving a chapter of my life that had been so profoundly meaningful. Danny Reagan had been a part of me for so long, and walking away from that was incredibly difficult.”
For Wahlberg, Blue Bloods wasn’t just a job—it was a family. Over the years, he built strong bonds with his co-stars, especially with Tom Selleck, who played his on-screen father, Frank Reagan. The dynamic between the two characters became a fan-favorite part of the show, and Wahlberg credits Selleck as an invaluable mentor throughout the series.
The Emotional Farewell
The farewell to Blue Bloods was not just an end to a career chapter but also a farewell to the family-like environment created on set. Wahlberg reflected on how meaningful the camaraderie among the cast and crew had been. “The bond we formed over the years made it feel more like a real family than a show. We went through so much together—laughs, tears, ups and downs. Saying goodbye to all of that was incredibly emotional,” he explained.
One of the most poignant moments for Wahlberg came during the final filming days when he realized this was truly the end of an era. Despite the joy of reflecting on the success of the show, he couldn’t help but feel the sadness of saying goodbye to his beloved character and the team he had spent so many years with.
For Wahlberg, it wasn’t just the character of Danny that made the farewell hard—it was the connection he felt with the audience. “The fans have been incredible, and they’ve supported us through it all. That’s a huge part of why the farewell was so emotional. You don’t want to let them down,” he said. “It’s hard to explain, but there’s a deep sense of gratitude for the people who have been with us every step of the way.”
As Wahlberg continues to navigate life after Blue Bloods, he remains grateful for the experiences and memories the show gave him. Even though the tears have stopped, the legacy of Blue Bloods will undoubtedly stay with him for years to come.
