History of Donnie Wahlberg in Timeline

Donnie Wahlberg is an American singer, actor, and producer, best known as a founding member of the boy band New Kids on the Block. He has had a successful acting career, starring as Detective Danny Reagan in the TV series Blue Bloods. His film credits include roles in movies such as the Saw franchise, Zookeeper, Dreamcatcher, The Sixth Sense, Righteous Kill, and Ransom. He also played Carwood Lipton in the acclaimed World War II miniseries Band of Brothers.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

August 17, 1969: Donnie Wahlberg's Birth

On August 17, 1969, Donald Edmond Wahlberg Jr., known as Donnie Wahlberg, was born. He is an American singer, actor, and producer, and a founding member of the boy band New Kids on the Block.

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1982: Parents' Divorce

In 1982, Donnie Wahlberg's parents, Alma Elaine (née Donnelly) and Donald Edmond Wahlberg, divorced.

1991: Arson Charge at Seelbach Hotel

In 1991, Donnie Wahlberg was charged with first-degree arson for setting a fire at the historic Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. The charge was later reduced to misdemeanor criminal mischief and eventually dismissed after Wahlberg agreed to appear in public-service videos.

1994: New Kids on the Block Break Up

In 1994, after ten years of being together, New Kids on the Block announced their breakup.

1996: Film Roles in Bullet and Ransom

In 1996, Donnie Wahlberg's first film acting role was in the film "Bullet" with Mickey Rourke and Tupac Shakur. Also in 1996, he appeared in "Ransom" with Mel Gibson.

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August 20, 1999: Marriage to Kimberly Fey

On August 20, 1999, Donnie Wahlberg married Kimberly Fey, with whom he has two sons.

1999: Role in The Sixth Sense

In 1999, Donnie Wahlberg received attention for his role in the film "The Sixth Sense", playing the patient of Bruce Willis' character in the opening sequence.

2001: Co-starring in Band of Brothers

In 2001, Donnie Wahlberg co-starred as Second Lieutenant C. Carwood Lipton in the television miniseries "Band of Brothers".

2002: Starring role in Boomtown

From 2002, Donnie Wahlberg starred as Joel Stevens, a Los Angeles police detective, in the NBC drama series "Boomtown".

2003: Starring role in Boomtown

In 2003, Donnie Wahlberg starred as Joel Stevens, a Los Angeles police detective, in the NBC drama series "Boomtown".

2003: Role in Dreamcatcher

In 2003, Donnie Wahlberg starred in the adaptation of Stephen King's "Dreamcatcher" as Duddits.

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2005: NYPD Detective Role in NY70 Pilot

In 2005, Donnie Wahlberg played an NYPD detective in an NBC TV pilot called "NY70" set in the 1970s; however, the show was not picked up.

2005: Role in Saw II

In 2005, Donnie Wahlberg starred as Detective Eric Matthews in "Saw II", the second installment of the Saw series.

September 2006: Lead Role in Runaway

In September 2006, Donnie Wahlberg played the lead role in the television drama "Runaway" on The CW.

October 2006: Cancellation of Runaway

In October 2006, the television drama "Runaway", in which Donnie Wahlberg played the lead role, was canceled due to poor ratings.

2006: Role in Saw III

In 2006, Donnie Wahlberg reprised his role as Detective Eric Matthews in "Saw III".

2006: Teen Choice Awards Nomination

In 2006, Donnie Wahlberg was nominated for Choice Scream at the Teen Choice Awards for his work in the "Saw" films.

2007: Role in Saw IV

In 2007, Donnie Wahlberg reprised his role as Detective Eric Matthews in "Saw IV".

2007: Roles in Kings of South Beach and The Kill Point

In 2007, Donnie Wahlberg starred in the television film "Kings of South Beach" on A&E and also starred on the TV series "The Kill Point".

April 2008: NKOTB Reunion Confirmation

In April 2008, Donnie Wahlberg confirmed to CNN that New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) were planning on recording new music and embarking on a new tour.

August 13, 2008: Divorce Filing from Kimberly Fey

On August 13, 2008, Donnie Wahlberg and Kimberly Fey filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.

September 2008: Release of 'The Block' and Reunion Tour Start

In September 2008, New Kids on the Block released their first album as a reunited group, titled 'The Block,' which topped American charts and was certified gold. On September 18, 2008, the group's reunion tour, New Kids on the Block: Live, began at Toronto's Air Canada Centre.

September 18, 2008: New Kids on the Block: Live tour began

On September 18, 2008, New Kids on the Block: Live, the group's reunion tour, began at Toronto's Air Canada Centre.

2008: Appearances in Righteous Kill and What Doesn't Kill You

In 2008, Donnie Wahlberg appeared in "Righteous Kill" and co-starred in "What Doesn't Kill You".

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2008: Appearance in Saw V via Archive Footage

In 2008, Donnie Wahlberg appeared in "Saw V" via archive footage from the previous films.

2008: Pilot for Bunker Hill

In 2008, Donnie Wahlberg worked with Bridget Moynahan on an unsuccessful TNT pilot called "Bunker Hill" (originally titled Morse Code).

2008: Father's Death

In 2008, Donnie Wahlberg's father, Donald Edmond Wahlberg, passed away. He was a teamster who worked as a delivery driver.

2010: Narration of The Association: Boston Celtics

In 2010, Donnie Wahlberg narrated "The Association: Boston Celtics", a documentary about the team's 2010 season, and co-narrated, alongside Ice Cube, the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies.

2011: Internet Radio Show and Zookeeper Appearance

As of 2011, Donnie Wahlberg hosted an internet radio show on Friday nights called "DDUB's R&B Back Rub" on Cherry Tree Radio and appeared in the comedy film "Zookeeper".

July 2013: Dating Jenny McCarthy

In July 2013, it was reported that Donnie Wahlberg was dating actress Jenny McCarthy after meeting on Watch What Happens Live in March.

April 16, 2014: Engagement Announcement to Jenny McCarthy

On April 16, 2014, Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy announced their engagement on The View.

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August 31, 2014: Marriage to Jenny McCarthy

On August 31, 2014, Donnie Wahlberg married Jenny McCarthy at the Hotel Baker in St. Charles, Illinois.

February 2016: Endorsement of Marco Rubio and Comments on Donald Trump

In February 2016, Donnie Wahlberg endorsed Republican candidate Marco Rubio for president of the United States but later expressed reservations. He also commented on the prospect of Donald Trump as president, emphasizing the importance of voting without emotion.