Donnie Wahlberg has revealed his aspirations for star-studded cameos in his new CBS crime drama, “Boston Blue.” During a lively appearance on “The Tonight Show” hosted by Jimmy Fallon, the 56-year-old actor shared his wish list for A-list guest stars, including his brother Mark Wahlberg, as well as fellow Boston natives Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
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While discussing his ambitions for the series, Wahlberg jested about his brother’s reluctance to share the screen with him. He mused, “In terms of dream [cameos], I’d like to get some other Boston guys in it. Maybe, I don’t know, Mark. He doesn’t want to act with me.” This light-hearted moment drew laughter from the audience, showcasing the playful sibling dynamic between the two actors.
When Fallon suggested that Mark could take on a role as his iconic character Marky Mark, Donnie leaped at the idea, envisioning an “old, retired Marky Mark” who could sell hot dogs at the Celtics games. This humorous exchange highlighted not only their familial bond but also the rich cultural connections that Boston brings to Hollywood.
Donnie’s enthusiasm didn’t stop with just his brother; he expressed a strong desire to bring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck into the fold. He even extended a playful invitation to Fallon, saying, “Now, you’re not a Bostonian but you do a good accent,” to which Fallon replied, “I love Boston. I would love to do it.” This indicates that the show could attract a mix of well-known faces in the future, adding to its appeal.
“Boston Blue” is a spinoff of “Blue Bloods,” the successful police procedural that featured Donnie and the acclaimed Tom Selleck for 14 seasons before concluding in December 2024. Set within the backdrop of Boston, the new series follows Donnie’s character, Danny Reagan, a veteran of the NYPD who relocates to the city to be closer to his son, Sean, played by Mika Amonsen. The show boasts a talented cast, which includes Sonequa Martin-Green, Maggie Lawson, Gloria Reuben, and Marcus Scribner.
Filming in his hometown, which is also the setting for “Boston Blue,” poses its own set of challenges for Wahlberg. During an appearance on “Live with Kelly and Mark,” he described how the excitement of being back in Boston often leads to disruptions during takes. “We don’t get anything shot,” he explained. “Every take, I’m literally saying, ‘Give me your hand, sir, you’re under arrest.’ And everyone is saying, ‘Donnie! Donnie!’”
He further emphasized the vibrant atmosphere of Boston by recalling how duck boat tours, a well-known attraction in the city, often pass by the filming locations. Wahlberg amusedly mentioned that tour guides inform onlookers about him: “Over there you’ll see Donnie Wahlberg in the wild. He grew up three doors down from me; I knew his mother, God rest her soul.”
As “Boston Blue” continues to air on CBS every Friday at 10 p.m. ET and becomes available on Paramount+ the following day, Wahlberg’s dreams for guest appearances may soon become a reality. With connections to some of Hollywood’s brightest stars, the intrigue surrounding the series is likely to grow, captivating both audiences fond of crime dramas and fans of the actors involved.
Overall, Donnie Wahlberg’s aspirations for “Boston Blue” reflect not just a desire for star power but also a heartfelt connection to his roots. As he navigates his dual roles as a seasoned actor and proud Bostonian, viewers eagerly await the developments in this promising series, and whether they will see the likes of Mark, Matt, and Ben making a guest appearance.