Donnie Wahlberg Opens Up About Emotional Final Dinner Scene On 'Blue Bloods'

Emotions Run High as Donnie Wahlberg Says Goodbye to 'Blue Bloods'

When filming the final dinner scene for season 14 of "Blue Bloods," Donnie Wahlberg couldn't hold back the tears. The former New Kids on the Block star revealed just how deeply he felt the emotions of saying goodbye to a cast and crew that had become like family to him over the years.

For 14 seasons, the Reagan family dinners have been the heart and soul of "Blue Bloods." These scenes weren't just about sharing a meal; they were moments where characters could come together, resolve conflicts, and have heartfelt conversations. But this final dinner scene carried a different weight, one that everyone on set could feel.

A Day Like No Other on the Set of 'Blue Bloods'

Donnie, now 55, recalled the morning of filming with Entertainment Weekly on December 7. He noticed something different right away: "I remember showing up that morning and there were much, much more crew members watching than usual." It wasn’t just the extra eyes that made the day stand out. The atmosphere was heavier, more solemn. "There’s usually a lot of energy, everyone comes in and watches the rehearsals and sometimes we’ll say a little something. I might say, 'It’s going to be a great day' and get everyone fired up," he explained. "But this day, everyone was really hanging on, trying to stay present and focus on the work, while also trying not to get lost in the emotion of it all."

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For Donnie, the most poignant moments came after the cameras stopped rolling. "We all just kind of sat there for a long time," he shared. "I think everyone was hesitating to say something to say goodbye because, A, nobody wanted to, and B, everyone knew once somebody starts talking, it’s a wrap. The tissues are coming out and everyone’s going to start crying, and sure enough, they did." These weren't just tears for the end of a television show; they were tears for the bonds formed over a decade and a half of working together.

Tom Selleck’s Heartfelt Farewell

Tom Selleck, the veteran actor who played Frank Reagan, stepped up to deliver a fitting farewell. "I remember Tom read a poem—or, he didn’t read it. He’d memorized the poem and recited it," Donnie recounted. "He’s known the poem for years, and he did that from time to time. He would say a poem or he would quote some old famous saying or something. He would always just drop these sage little things upon us at dinner from time to time." It was a touching gesture that encapsulated the grace and dignity Tom brought to the show.

Donnie’s Emotional Reflection

Donnie admitted that he "was crying and didn’t stop for a few hours" because he "felt all the emotion of the crew and the rest of the cast members." He took a moment to reflect on the journey that had led him to this point. "I thought about how profound it was that somehow my life’s journey had taken me to this moment," he said. For a man who started as a pop star and transitioned into acting, this was a career-defining chapter.

A Memorable Finale for Fans

The final Reagan family dinner is set to be unforgettable for fans, as showrunner Kevin Wade hinted at some surprises. "There are a few black sheep, including one who’s been with us on and off for many years. I have to be vague here," he teased to TV Insider on December 6. "There are blood relatives who we haven’t seen much of in a while who are present. I will say it’s a bigger table than usual. The art department had to actually go into the wood shop and make an extra leaf!"

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

Though it marks the end of an incredible era for the "Blue Bloods" cast, Donnie is eager for fans to see how the story concludes. He’s grateful to have the unwavering support of his wife, Jenny McCarthy, by his side. "Now, of course, it’s going to be tough," he confessed. "I’m going to be laying down next to Jenny watching the finale, and the waterworks are going to turn on, and I’m just going to say, 'How lucky was I to be part of something so cool?'"