Donnie Wahlberg ‘Nudged’ Bridget Moynahan to Join “Blue Bloods ”After She Initially Turned Down The Role

Donnie Wahlberg Encourages Bridget Moynahan to Join ‘Blue Bloods’

Donnie Wahlberg, known for his role in the hit TV show Blue Bloods, recently shared insights into his close relationship with his co-star Bridget Moynahan. Moynahan initially turned down the role of ADA Erin Reagan, Wahlberg’s character’s sister in the show, but Wahlberg revealed that he played a crucial role in convincing her to reconsider.

Wahlberg, aged 56, spoke about his bond with Moynahan, aged 54, during a special screening event for his new series Boston Blue in New York City. Boston Blue is a spin-off of Blue Bloods, where Wahlberg and Moynahan portrayed siblings. The original series had a successful run for 14 seasons, concluding in December 2024.

During a Q&A session with co-star Sonequa Martin-Green, Wahlberg shared that when Moynahan was initially offered the role in Blue Bloods, she had already rejected it. However, Wahlberg believed that she was the perfect fit for the role of his on-screen sister.

Wahlberg recalled, “When I called her to ask her to do it, she said, ‘I already passed on that job.’ But I was like, ‘Well, come back. It’s gonna be with me now.’” His persistence paid off as Moynahan eventually joined the cast, alongside actors like Will Estes, Len Cariou, and Tom Selleck.

Prior to their roles in Blue Bloods, Wahlberg and Moynahan had shared the screen in the 2009 TV movie Bunker Hill. Wahlberg praised Moynahan as one of the unsung heroes of Boston Blue, the spin-off where his character, Danny Reagan, heads to Boston.

Reflecting on Moynahan’s involvement in Boston Blue, Wahlberg mentioned, “When I was deciding to do the show, I called her and she was so sisterly in the conversation. She gave a real honest conversation and it was no ego involved. It was just my friend and sister talking to me about it and challenging me.”

While Moynahan is not a regular member of the Boston Blue cast, she makes a special guest appearance in the premiere and even directed an episode. This collaborative effort demonstrates the strong bond between Wahlberg and Moynahan, both on and off-screen.

Fans of Blue Bloods will remember Moynahan’s emotional farewell to the show in April 2024, where she expressed gratitude for the family-like environment that had been fostered on set. Wahlberg, who she dubbed her “biggest supporter,” played a significant role in encouraging her to pursue new opportunities, such as directing an episode of the show.

Boston Blue is set to premiere on CBS on October 17, with subsequent streaming available on Paramount+ the following day. The dynamic between Wahlberg and Moynahan serves as a testament to the lasting connections formed through collaborative work in the entertainment industry.

In conclusion, Wahlberg’s support and encouragement towards Moynahan not only strengthened their on-screen performances but also exemplified the importance of fostering supportive relationships in the creative field.