Donnie Wahlberg still carries the emotional weight of Linda Reagan's tragic death on 'Blue Bloods,' a moment that left an indelible mark on both the character Danny Reagan and Wahlberg himself. The actor recently opened up about how much that storyline continues to resonate with him, even years later.
During a candid interview with TV Insider on December 10, the New Kids on the Block singer revealed just how much Amy Carlson's character meant to him—not just as an actor, but as a person. Linda Reagan's death, depicted in a devastating helicopter crash during season eight of Blue Bloods, was more than just a plot twist for Wahlberg. It marked the end of an important partnership both on-screen and off.
The Emotional Impact of Losing Linda
“Without a doubt, the most defining moment for Danny Reagan was losing Linda,” Wahlberg shared during the interview. He went on to explain how deeply personal this loss felt, not only for his character but for himself as well.
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“As the story unfolded in the episodes that followed, I realized it wasn’t just Danny who lost Linda. I, Donnie Wahlberg, lost Amy Carlson,” he continued. “She was such a talented scene partner. We had these incredible moments together—rushing the kids out to school, helping them with practice, or just being there for each other. She truly became my other half on the show. Her absence was harder to handle than I ever imagined.”
A Special Bond Between Co-Stars
At 55 years old, Wahlberg fondly recalls the connection he built with Amy Carlson, who is now 56. Their relationship extended far beyond the set, creating a bond that remains strong even today.
“I still keep in touch with her,” Wahlberg told Country Living in February 2020. “Let me be clear—Danny Reagan is still heartbroken over losing Linda, and Donnie Wahlberg misses Amy more than words can express.”
“It wasn’t just the big moments that I missed after her departure; it was the little things too,” he added. “Amy always brought so much warmth to the scenes. She wasn’t just Linda; she was the mom in those moments, helping the kids, guiding them, making everything feel real. Without her, those scenes weren’t the same.”
Hoping for a Return
After Linda’s death, Wahlberg expressed hope that Blue Bloods might bring Amy back in some capacity. “I’ve missed her in so many ways, and I don’t know how we could ever bring her back,” he admitted. “Maybe we could do a dream episode where Danny imagines Linda coming back. I don’t know. But we all miss her on the show, and I’m grateful to have worked with someone as amazing as Amy.”
Unfortunately, Amy Carlson hasn’t returned to the show, and now, with only one episode left, fans are speculating about what’s next for Danny Reagan. A recent clip shared by TVLine hints at Danny potentially moving on romantically, as he invites Maria Baez out for pizza—a small but significant gesture that suggests he may be ready to open his heart again.
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Amy Carlson Reflects on Her Time on the Show
Amy Carlson’s decision to leave Blue Bloods was straightforward—her contract simply expired. Yet, despite the passing of time, she still holds fond memories of her experience on the series, especially her collaboration with Wahlberg.
“What I miss most is working with Donnie,” Carlson said during a November 2017 interview with Deadline. “He’s been such a dream to work with, even after I left the show. Just thinking about how kind and supportive he’s been brings tears to my eyes.”
“I miss those scenes with Donnie,” she reminisced. “We put so much effort into bringing those characters to life. It was a beautiful partnership, and I’ll always cherish the moments we shared.”
