Donnie Wahlberg has described the past year as one of the most challenging of his career, balancing demanding work commitments in television and music. The 56-year-old actor and singer is currently involved in a spin-off of the long-running series Blue Bloods, titled Boston Blue, while also performing with his band New Kids On The Block, which began a series of shows in Las Vegas in June 2023.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Wahlberg expressed the significant pressures he has faced, stating, “I thought I was used to it, but this year was really difficult—far more challenging than any time during my decade and a half doing Blue Bloods while managing my part in New Kids.” He noted that the demands of his current schedule have tested his limits.
Juggling Multiple Responsibilities
Wahlberg elaborated on his hectic routine, pointing to a particularly taxing day that included a 6 a.m. fitting for Boston Blue, followed by a 10 a.m. wardrobe fitting for New Kids On The Block, and a series of rehearsals throughout the day. “I haven’t come up for air yet,” he admitted, indicating the relentless pace of his work.
Looking ahead, Wahlberg’s schedule is set to remain busy as he considers embarking on a world tour with New Kids On The Block. He mentioned, “There’s a want for New Kids to go around the world, and the hope was after Vegas, that will be what we look at next.” While his role in Boston Blue will not interfere with these plans, it represents another layer of responsibility.
Family Connections Amid Busy Career
In addition to his professional commitments, Wahlberg has expressed a desire to reconnect with his family, which includes five brothers and two sisters. He acknowledges that the distance created by his career often hampers family gatherings. “It’s not that I’m not committed to my family, but I live in a different state than my siblings,” he explained.
Wahlberg, who resides in St Charles, Illinois, with his wife Jenny McCarthy, also highlighted his sister’s insistence on family gatherings, especially during significant occasions such as Thanksgiving. He has committed to making more effort to travel back to his hometown of Boston to strengthen these family ties. “Maybe I need to hop on a plane and do a little bit more of those occasions with the siblings,” he said, encouraging his brother Mark Wahlberg to join him.
As Wahlberg navigates the complexities of his career and personal life, he continues to strive for balance, even as he remains deeply committed to both his professional endeavors and his family connections.
