Donald Edward “Donnie” Wahlberg, Jr.[1] (born August 17, 1969) is an American singer, actor and film producer. He is a founding member of the popular 1980s and 1990s boy band New Kids on the Block. His work background includes music, feature films, and television. Donnie has had featured roles in the Saw films, The Sixth Sense, Boomtown and Righteous Kill, also appearing in the award-winning World War II miniseries Band of Brothers. He is also known for currently starring in the critically successful series Blue Bloods. Donnie was nominated for Choice Scream at the 2008 Teen Choice Awards for his work on the Saw films.
Has two children with ex-wife, Kim, Xavier Alexander Wahlberg (born March 4, 1993) and Elijah Hendrix Wahlberg (born August 20, 2001).
His siblings are: Arthur Wahlberg, James, Debbie, Paul, Michelle, Tracey, Robert Wahlberg and Mark Wahlberg. Donnie is also named after his father, making him a Jr.
Brother of Mark Wahlberg, Robert Wahlberg and Arthur Wahlberg.
Was arrested on charges of first-degree arson for setting fire in a hallway with a bottle of alcohol at The Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky (Which is also featured in the movie The Insider (1999) with Al Pacino). On April 10, 1991 he agreed to a reduced charge of second-degree criminal mischief and made public service ads about fire safety, drugs and drunk driving in return for an eventual dismissal of the charge. [27 March 1991]
Lost 43 pounds for the role of Vincent Grey in The Sixth Sense (1999).
He sang the song “The Right Combination” with ‘Seiko Matsuda’
Grew up with former New Kids on the Block members, Jonathan Knight, Jordan Knight, Joey Mcintyre and Danny Wood.
Was always seen as the free-spirited, more earthy urban member of New Kids on the Block.
Shares a birthday with Robert De Niro and Sean Penn.
Originally called “Nynuk”, the boy group eventually settled on the name New Kids On The Block after a rap song that Donnie had written for their debut album, which flopped upon initial release. However, the album would eventually sell over four million in response to the group’s later popularity.
Donnie produced, arranged, mixed and co-wrote “Music for the People” and “You Gotta Believe” the 1991 and 1992 hit albums from brother Mark’s group Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch – which included a #1 hit with “Good Vibrations” and a multi-platinum album for the former. He also worked on the successful 1999 solo releases for NKOTB’s Joey McIntyre and Jordan Knight.
In 1999, during the teen pop revival, MTV tried to reunite the group and get them to perform on that years VMA’s. All members were on board, except Jonathan – and so the performance didn’t happen. In 2003, another attempt to coerce each of the boys to reunite was made for a one-night performance for the show “VH1′s Bands Reunited.” Jonathan this time agreed, as did Jordan – but Donnie, Joe and Danny all declined.
Wahlberg is current developing a TV project that would tell the teen band’s story from his own point of view.
His first movie Bullet (1996) with Mickey Rourke and late rap artist Tupac Shakur was deemed too bad to release, but was eventually given life after the surging rise of interest following Tupac’s shooting death in September of 1996.
Is of Swedish, Irish, German and French Canadian descent. In 2008, discovered to be a distant relative (through Madonna) to Celine Dion.
New Kids on the Block reunited in 2008.
Is a big fan of the Boston Celtics and a very good friend of Celtics forward Paul Pierce.
Brother-in-law of Rhea Durham.
