How Blue Bloods Helped Donnie Wahlberg Win Jenny McCarthy’s Heart — And Cemented a Lifelong Bond With the Cast
Over the course of Blue Bloods’ impressive 14-season run, the CBS police procedural has delivered its fair share of gripping storylines, heartfelt family dinners, and unforgettable character moments. But for series star Donnie Wahlberg, the show’s impact reached far beyond the screen — it helped shape his personal life in a surprising way.
During a special Blue Bloods panel at PaleyFest New York, the 55-year-old actor and musician reflected on his journey with the show and shared a heartwarming story about how one particular episode played an unexpected role in helping him win over his now-wife, Jenny McCarthy.
Wahlberg appeared on stage at the Paley Museum on October 17, 2024, alongside castmates Tom Selleck, Bridget Moynahan, Len Cariou, Vanessa Ray, and Marisa Ramirez, as well as executive producer Kevin Wade. The panel, moderated by CBS News anchor Vladimir Duthiers, was a celebration of the long-running hit — and a time for cast and crew to reminisce on the show’s legacy and lasting impact.
As the group took a moment to applaud the talented writers behind Blue Bloods, Donnie gave a special shoutout to writer Daniel Truly — the man behind a season 3 episode that, as Wahlberg joked, might’ve helped him seal the deal with Jenny.
A Scene That Hit Close to Home
“Dan wrote this episode where my character, Danny Reagan, gets an offer to leave the NYPD and work private security for a high-profile witness,” Wahlberg recalled, referencing the Season 3 episode titled Greener Grass. “At the time, I thought it was totally unrealistic — I even said, ‘Who’s going to hire me? I’m five-foot-nine!’”
Though the episode initially had Donnie raising his eyebrows, it ended up leaving quite the impression — on Jenny.
“Not long after, I started dating Jenny, and she mentioned that she was a fan of Blue Bloods,” he shared with a laugh. “And then she goes, ‘You know which one I really liked? That episode where Danny gets offered the personal security job.’”
With the audience at PaleyFest breaking into laughter, Donnie quipped: “That’s my favorite episode too now! Thanks, Dan — really helped seal the deal!”
The couple, who first began dating in 2013 and tied the knot a year later, recently renewed their vows in August 2024 to celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary. It’s safe to say Blue Bloods played a supporting role in more ways than one.
A Cast That Became Family
The PaleyFest panel wasn’t just filled with laughs — it was also a chance for reflection. After 14 years of filming in New York, countless dinner table scenes, and more than a decade of shared memories, the cast has become more like family than co-stars.
Donnie recalled the early days of filming, including one moment with Tom Selleck that left a lasting impression. After one of the show’s very first screenings, the two crossed paths backstage.
“I didn’t know what he was going to say. Tom just looks at me and goes, ‘Hey, I’m really good at fixing scripts and making things better,’” Donnie shared. “And I thought he was going to offer to help me with my lines or something.”
But then Selleck added something unexpected: “So are you. I’m counting on you to keep doing that for as long as the show’s on the air.”
For Donnie, it was a moment of validation that shaped his entire journey with the series.
“From that day forward, I knew I was in it for the long haul,” he said. “Tom saw something in me, and I’ve never taken that lightly.”
Looking Ahead
As Blue Bloods prepares to wrap up its final season, the cast is taking time to honor the memories, growth, and bonds forged over nearly a decade and a half. While the end is bittersweet, Donnie Wahlberg walks away not only with the pride of a job well done but with something even more precious — the love of his life, a chosen family on set, and stories that will stay with him forever.
“It’s rare to be part of something this special,” he said. “And it’s even rarer when that something changes your life in ways you never expected.”
