Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Donnie Wahlberg
August 17, 1969
Boston, Massachusetts, US
57 Years Old
Leo
Who Is Donnie Wahlberg?
Donald Edmond Wahlberg Jr. is an American singer, actor, and producer known for his energetic stage presence and versatile performances across music and film. He seamlessly transitioned from a pop idol to a respected dramatic actor.
Wahlberg first burst into the public eye as a founding member of the iconic boy band New Kids on the Block in the late 1980s. The group's blend of pop and hip-hop propelled them to global stardom, selling millions of records and creating a devoted fanbase.
Early Life and Education
A large working-class family shaped Donnie Wahlberg’s early life in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood. His parents, Donald Edmond Wahlberg and Alma Elaine Donnelly, fostered an environment that emphasized loyalty and hard work.
He attended William Monroe Trotter School, where he discovered a passion for music, particularly rap, during bus rides to Roxbury. This early interest in performance, alongside high school theater, foreshadowed his later multifaceted career.
Notable Relationships
A string of high-profile romances has marked Donnie Wahlberg’s personal life, with his current marriage to Jenny McCarthy being a prominent public connection. He was previously married to Kimberly Fey, a relationship that began in the 1990s.
Wahlberg and McCarthy wed on August 31, 2014, and frequently share insights into their commitment. He shares two sons, Xavier Alexander Wahlberg and Elijah Hendrix Wahlberg, with his former wife, Kimberly Fey.
Career Highlights
Donnie Wahlberg launched his career as a founding member of the pop and hip-hop sensation New Kids on the Block in 1984. The group achieved immense success, selling tens of millions of records and generating over $400 million in merchandise at their peak.
Beyond music, Wahlberg established a formidable acting career, notably starring as Detective Danny Reagan in the long-running CBS series Blue Bloods. He also held significant roles in films like The Sixth Sense and the Saw franchise, as well as producing reality television shows such as Wahlburgers.
His work on Wahlburgers earned him two Primetime Emmy Award nominations, and he received a Teen Choice Award nomination for his performances in the Saw films.
Signature Quote
“Our relationship is at the center of our lives. We put the relationship first and the career second.”