Donnie Wahlberg Shares the Truth About Tom Selleck’s On-Set Personality on Blue Bloods

It’s no secret that Blue Bloods has one of TV’s most respected casts — and at the head of the Reagan family sits none other than Tom Selleck. Known to millions as Frank Reagan, the stern but fair NYPD Commissioner, Selleck brings the same gravitas he once showed in Magnum P.I. But according to his co-star Donnie Wahlberg, the actor’s presence off-camera is just as impressive.

Wahlberg, who plays Detective Danny Reagan, has shared the screen with Selleck for so many seasons now that their relationship has grown far beyond the script. And as it turns out, everything fans hope is true about Tom’s real-life demeanor… really is.

“He’s a leader — and one very smart guy”

In a candid chat with Outsider, Wahlberg opened up about what it’s like working alongside someone with decades of Hollywood experience.

“Tom’s a leader himself. He’s a very experienced, very smart guy. Very dedicated, much like myself,” Donnie explained. “There are times when we both see the hidden game, and we both want the same thing — but we have different ideas on how to get there.”

That push-and-pull, he says, keeps their scenes sharp and their energy alive. For Wahlberg, it’s less a clash and more of a rhythm — knowing when to speak up and when to step back.

“It’s almost like a dance,” he added. “Knowing when to step up and give input, and when to trust Tom to take the lead. It’s as truthful off-screen as it is for Danny and Frank on the show.”

Why Wahlberg Wanted to Work With Selleck

Long before Blue Bloods became a Friday night staple, Wahlberg felt drawn to the show’s family focus — something that reminded him of his own upbringing. As one of nine siblings, the actor immediately recognized himself in Danny Reagan’s fiery loyalty.

In a 2013 interview with HuffPost, he recalled what first caught his eye: that famous Reagan family dinner.

“Blue Bloods is a throwback. Shows don’t focus on families like this anymore,” he said. “That dinner scene grabbed me. I’ve felt that same heat — my dad staring me down while my sister and I argued. That’s the same energy Tom brings with Bridget [Moynahan] at the table.”

And just like his real dad, Wahlberg says he and his siblings used humor to break through that serious exterior — something you can still see in the playful jabs Danny throws Frank’s way.

Off-Camera: A Real Father-Son Bond

Over time, that connection between the two actors only deepened. After losing his mother Alma, Wahlberg shared how much Selleck’s support has meant to him.

“I call him Dad now, and he calls me son,” Wahlberg told Entertainment Tonight. “He used to kind of grumble at me, like, ‘This music guy’s a little weird.’ Now he gives me big hugs. And let me tell you, a hug from Tom Selleck — that’s a big deal.”

Their mutual respect has carried Blue Bloods through hundreds of episodes, anchoring the show with heart and authenticity. For fans, that chemistry is what makes the Reagan family feel real — and what keeps them coming back every season.