Donnie Wahlberg's Emotional Farewell to "Blue Bloods" After 14 Seasons

Donnie Wahlberg, the beloved actor known for his role in the hit crime drama "Blue Bloods," is preparing to bid an emotional farewell to the series after 14 remarkable seasons. With only seven more episodes left to air, Wahlberg, 55, has shared his heartfelt sentiments about the show that has been a significant part of his life for over a decade.

A Bittersweet Conclusion to a Remarkable Journey

The End of an Era

As the curtain prepares to fall on "Blue Bloods," Wahlberg has reflected on the emotional journey that has unfolded over the past 14 years. The actor, who portrays NYPD Detective Danny Reagan, has been a integral part of the show's success, working alongside a talented ensemble cast that includes the legendary Tom Selleck, Will Estes, and Bridget Moynahan.Wahlberg's recollection of the final day on set paints a poignant picture of the deep connections forged among the cast and crew. "I felt tremendous gratitude, not saditude, but everyone cried. Everyone was crying, of course. The last day was heartbreaking," he shared during an interview on Sirius XM Andy Cohen Live.The actor's words convey the bittersweet nature of this farewell, as the 14 years of his life invested in the show have flown by in the blink of an eye, yet the depth of the relationships and experiences have left an indelible mark. "In one sense, the 14 years went by in the blink of an eye. In another sense, it's been 14 years of my life… I didn't even know my wife when the show started," Wahlberg reflected.

A Cherished Collaboration

Wahlberg's fondness for his co-stars, particularly the legendary Tom Selleck, is palpable. The actor shared a touching moment he experienced with Selleck, who portrays Commissioner Frank Reagan, Wahlberg's on-screen father. "He's really tall and he's standing above everyone in the back corner just watching with tears in his eyes. It just was like the waterworks turned on. I could literally cry just thinking about it."The rapport and mutual respect between Wahlberg and Selleck is evident in Wahlberg's description of their working relationship. "We have real conversations. We work," he explained. "It's not, I don't show up and go, 'Tell me what to do, Tom'… we have a back and forth… there's a process and he respects me… what I do and what I bring to the table as I do him."This collaborative dynamic, built on trust and mutual appreciation, has undoubtedly contributed to the enduring success of "Blue Bloods" and the depth of the characters they have brought to life.

A Poignant Farewell

As the final episodes of "Blue Bloods" approach, Wahlberg has shared a glimpse of what fans can expect from the series finale. "There'll be a lot of tears. I think the same kind of tears we had, but there is… a very sad scene that happens in the middle of the final episode, which will be very emotional."However, Wahlberg's description of the finale suggests a bittersweet, yet hopeful, conclusion to the beloved series. "It feels like a finale, but a hopeful, forward-thinking finale." This sentiment resonates with the overall tone of Wahlberg's reflections, as he navigates the complex emotions of bidding farewell to a show that has been a significant part of his life for over a decade.The impending end of "Blue Bloods" has also elicited a sense of frustration from co-star Tom Selleck, who expressed his disappointment that the show was "always taken for granted because it performed from the get-go." Selleck's words underscore the enduring popularity and critical acclaim that "Blue Bloods" has garnered over its impressive 14-season run.As the final curtain falls on this beloved crime drama, the emotional impact of its conclusion is palpable, both for the cast and the devoted fans who have followed the Reagan family's journey for over a decade. Donnie Wahlberg's heartfelt reflections and the bittersweet nature of the series finale promise a poignant and memorable farewell to a television classic.