‘Blue Bloods’ star Donnie Wahlberg posts touching fan tribute
The last Sunday dinner was one to remember.
After “Blue Bloods” aired its series finale on Friday, Donnie Wahlberg, who played Detective Danny Reagan, took a moment to reflect on fourteen seasons of the CBS police procedural — and pen a love note to the show’s loyal fans.
“Dearest Blockheads,” the actor, 55, began on Instagram. “There is, of course, a sadness in saying goodbye to #BlueBloods. But what a heck of a ride we had together! You all were literally part of the Blue Bloods family! Not just on Friday nights (trending #BlueBloods every single week that it’s been on the air), not just in your impact on the Ratings (which was massive), you all made yourselves an actual part of the crew,”
Wahlberg added that everyone on the set “knew you, appreciated you and was happy to see you.”
“None — more than me. Of all the memories, highlights and moments, that I’ll look back on fondly from the last 14 years of filming #BlueBloods in New York City, your set visits will be something that I’ll cherish forever,” he said.
The New Kids On The Block member went on to share memories from filming the show with his loyal fans being there both in person and in spirit.
“You brought smiles, gifts, cupcakes (even though I was staying in shape for NKOTB tours), candy (too many Coffee Crisps and Kinder to mention), hugs, signs, inspiration and of course love. Some visitors — did not miss a season,” Walhberg said. “Some visitors — we now miss so dearly.”
“I keep closing my eyes, and seeing your faces, as I’m writing this. I’m so thankful to you all. Please know that my heart is full. I can go on forever, about you, but it’s time to stop writing and to simply let these memories live. I thank you. I love you. I appreciate you. I salute you,” the star continued before writing a sweet sign-off.
As Wahlberg put it, “My Blockhead/BlueBloods Family. See you on the next adventure. Coming soon.”
Alongside the lengthy post, the “Blue Bloods” alum added a smiling shot of himself looking off camera.
Wahlberg’s other half, Jenny McCarthy, praised her husband on her own page alongside a few shots, including one of the actor and co-star Tom Selleck.
“14 years. Fourteen incredible years of dedication, passion, and hard work. Watching you pour your heart and soul into Blue Bloods has been nothing short of inspiring, Donnie,” the 52-year-old gushed. “You’ve brought so much depth, grit, and love to Danny Reagan, and it’s clear how much the role — and the show— mean to you.”
Looking back at being by Wahlberg’s side since they tied the knot in 2014, McCarthy added: “I’ve seen the late nights, the early mornings, and the unwavering commitment you give not only to your craft but to your cast, crew, and the fans who adore you. It’s who you are — always giving 110% of yourself to everything you do.”
She concluded her touching tribute, “I couldn’t be prouder of you, not just for what you’ve accomplished on screen, but for the kindness, humility, and gratitude you carry with you every day. You don’t just light up the screen — you light up our lives.”
“Here’s to 14 amazing years and the legacy you’ve built. I love you endlessly and am so proud to stand by your side through it all.”
Sami Gayle, who portrayed Nicky Reagan-Boyle, daughter of Erin Reagan-Boyle (Bridget Moynahan), also shared a farewell post on the social platform.
“Tonight marks the final episode of @bluebloods_cbs … a series which I’m proud to have been a part of for half of my life,” the young star wrote. “To everyone who watched me grow up — on screen, behind the scenes, and around our dinner table — thank you. This experience was the gift of a lifetime and I am forever grateful.”
“Blue Bloods” aired its first episode on September 2010, following a New York City family that worked in law enforcement. The star-studded cast includes Selleck, Wahlberg, Moynahan, Will Estes and Len Cariou as the tight-knit family.
The drama kept devoted viewers coming back year after year to watch the Reagans navigate personal obstacles and the criminal justice system — while still making it to their weekly family dinners.
The series finale, titled “End of Tour,” brought the series total to 293 episodes.
On Friday, audiences followed the Reagans one last time “as they race to stop deadly mayhem in the city when the gangs of New York unite together to demand amnesty for the release of their imprisoned members and those awaiting trial,” per the press release.
“Miami Vice” and “Battlestar Galactica” star Edward James Olmos was a guest star.
Meanwhile, Wahlberg recently shed light onto filming the show’s final dinner scene.
“I think when we finished the final take of the final dinner scene, everyone just kind of sat there in silence,” he told The Post earlier this week. “Secretly, we hoped someone would walk in and say ‘it was a joke, there will be 14 more seasons!’”
