As Blue Bloods enters its 14th and final season, Donnie Wahlberg, who has portrayed Detective Danny Reagan since the show’s inception, is taking a moment to look back on the journey that has become a significant part of his life. Known for his roles in both acting and music, Wahlberg grew up in the spotlight with New Kids on the Block and later made his mark on television as part of the Reagan family. With Blue Bloods nearing its conclusion, Wahlberg shared an emotional reflection on his experience, underscoring the personal impact of the show, his castmates, and his longstanding admiration for TV Guide magazine.

From Dream to Reality: Donnie’s Full-Circle Moment

In a heartfelt moment with TV Insider, Wahlberg revisited the childhood memories that made his recent TV Guide cover all the more meaningful. Growing up in a working-class family, Wahlberg recalls walking past TV Guide at the grocery store with his mother, longing to buy an issue but knowing they couldn’t afford the extra purchase. Now, as he graces the cover of TV Guide’s special Blue Bloods farewell issue, Wahlberg feels a sense of accomplishment and gratitude that goes beyond his career. “It’s like life coming full circle,” he shared. “From a kid who couldn’t afford a magazine, to being on the cover next to Tom Selleck — it’s beyond what I could have ever dreamed of.”

A Grateful Farewell to Blue Bloods

Although Wahlberg admits that the show’s end is bittersweet, he emphasizes gratitude over sadness. Blue Bloods provided him with the chance to bring Danny Reagan to life, a role that allowed him to explore the nuances of a detective’s world, the strength of family, and the complexities of justice. “I’m not sad,” Wahlberg stated, “I’m just incredibly grateful.” This gratitude is shared by the show’s cast and crew, many of whom, Wahlberg notes, have invested much of their lives into making Blue Bloods the success it has become. His appreciation extends not only to his fellow actors but to the fans who have kept the show on the air for so many years.

Celebrating the Cast: Danny & Baez on the Cover

One of the most touching aspects of Wahlberg’s farewell is his recognition of his co-stars, particularly Marisa Ramirez, who plays Detective Maria Baez. Wahlberg and Ramirez have developed a close friendship both on and off the screen, and he is thrilled to see her on her first TV Guide cover alongside him. To Wahlberg, this cover isn’t just a tribute to his character, but to all the hard work and dedication that each cast member has contributed. “It’s not just the Reagans that make Blue Bloods special,” he explained. “Marisa represents so many other characters who helped make the show better, who worked just as hard as anyone with a Reagan last name.”

Although Wahlberg admits that the show’s end is bittersweet, he emphasizes gratitude over sadness. Blue Bloods provided him with the chance to bring Danny Reagan to life, a role that allowed him to explore the nuances of a detective’s world, the strength of family, and the complexities of justice. “I’m not sad,” Wahlberg stated, “I’m just incredibly grateful.” This gratitude is shared by the show’s cast and crew, many of whom, Wahlberg notes, have invested much of their lives into making Blue Bloods the success it has become. His appreciation extends not only to his fellow actors but to the fans who have kept the show on the air for so many years.

Celebrating the Cast: Danny & Baez on the Cover

One of the most touching aspects of Wahlberg’s farewell is his recognition of his co-stars, particularly Marisa Ramirez, who plays Detective Maria Baez. Wahlberg and Ramirez have developed a close friendship both on and off the screen, and he is thrilled to see her on her first TV Guide cover alongside him. To Wahlberg, this cover isn’t just a tribute to his character, but to all the hard work and dedication that each cast member has contributed. “It’s not just the Reagans that make Blue Bloods special,” he explained. “Marisa represents so many other characters who helped make the show better, who worked just as hard as anyone with a Reagan last name.”