“Blue Bloods” stars Donnie Wahlberg and Bridget Moynahan seem to work well together on screen. That’s not an accident. They really do.
Wahlberg, who plays Detective Danny Reagan on the CBS crime drama, talked about that type of chemistry between him and Moynahan in a 2019 interview with CBS.com.
“We have a great friendship,” Wahlberg said. “We did a pilot together in 2008 that I executive-produced called ‘Bunker Hill.’ When the ‘Blue Bloods’ offer came along, I immediately called her, and I said, ‘You have to play the sister.'”
That might have worked out but Moynahan told him that she passed on the offer.
‘Blue Bloods’ Star Wanted Erin Reagan Actress on New Show
“She was worried it was going to shoot in Canada, and she had a young child and didn’t want to have to commute,” Wahlberg said. “I said, ‘I guarantee you, we won’t go to Canada … because Tom Selleck is never going to do a show in Canada. Knowing him, he will fight to do it in New York, because he wants it to be authentic.'”
As it turns out, the “New Kids on the Block” singer was right on the nose about Selleck, who plays NYPD Commissioner Frank Reagan on the show.
What is it that keeps Wahlberg and Moynahan close as friends on the “Blue Bloods” set? Well, it goes beyond just their day jobs. By the way, Moynahan plays Assistant District Attorney Erin Reagan on the show. She had second thoughts about the role once Wahlberg talked with her.
Wahlberg, Moynahan Have Stuck By One Another as Friends
“She and I started out as friends coming out of tough relationships, as single parents,” Wahlberg said. “And became friends and confidants and watched each other go through other relationships and then ultimately find spouses. Bridget and I have gone through this parallel journey as friends and have been there for each other.”
Wahlberg is currently married to actress-comedian Jenny McCarthy and has been since 2014. Moynahan, who was once the girlfriend of Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, is married to businessman Andrew Frankel.
The on-screen dynamic between Danny and Erin is pretty special. Obviously, the characters are tied together through being part of the Reagan family. Yet both actors work off one another impressively. Take a look at this scene from “Blue Bloods” with Wahlberg at the dinner table. It’s a scene from last season’s finale.
Notice the range of emotions not only within Wahlberg’s character but Moynahan as well. This time, it’s Frank caught in the crossfire from different family members.
Heck, when Henry Reagan, played by Len Cariou, doesn’t know what’s going down, then it’s some serious stuff. “Blue Bloods” remains a show that reflects not only on the connection between family members and public service. It also shows a family that doesn’t always have their stuff together.
The Reagans let TV viewers see real-life issues played out in the midst of a TV show.
