How Donnie Wahlberg Increased His Net Worth
Donnie Wahlberg net worth is estimated at $25 million. He has built his fortune through a long and successful career as a musician, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Wahlberg first rose to fame as a founding member of the blockbuster boy band New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) and later became a household name through television, film, and business ventures.
| Donnie Wahlberg Net Worth | $25 Million |
| Date of Birth | August 17, 1969 |
| Place of Birth | Boston, Massachusetts |
Early Life
Donnie Wahlberg was born Donald Edmond Wahlberg Jr. on August 17, 1969, in Boston, Massachusetts. He grew up in the Dorchester neighborhood in a large, working-class family. Donnie was the eighth of nine children born to Donald Wahlberg, a delivery truck driver, and Alma Wahlberg, a nurse’s aide.
His younger brother is actor and producer Mark Wahlberg. Growing up, the family faced financial struggles, and Donnie’s parents divorced in 1982. Despite the challenges, music became an important outlet for him at an early age.
While attending school during Boston’s busing era, Wahlberg was exposed to soul, R&B, and hip-hop music, which heavily influenced his artistic style. Michael Jackson was one of his biggest inspirations.
New Kids on the Block Success
Donnie Wahlberg and his close friend Danny Wood attended Copley High School, where they began performing together. At age 15, Donnie auditioned for producer Maurice Starr, who was assembling a new boy band. Impressed by Donnie’s ability to sing, rap, and dance, Starr made him a key member of the group.
Donnie helped recruit other members, including Jordan Knight, Jonathan Knight, Danny Wood, and briefly his brother Mark Wahlberg, who later left. The group became known as New Kids on the Block.
Their debut album in 1986 saw limited success, but the release of “Hangin’ Tough” (1988) changed everything. The album produced major hits such as “Please Don’t Go Girl,” “You Got It (The Right Stuff),” and “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever).” By 1989, NKOTB was the biggest pop group in the world.
At their peak, New Kids on the Block sold tens of millions of records and generated more than $400 million in merchandise sales, significantly boosting Donnie Wahlberg’s net worth.
Acting Career
As NKOTB’s popularity slowed in the early 1990s, Wahlberg transitioned into acting. His early film roles included “Bullet” (1996) and “Ransom” (1996) opposite Mel Gibson. He gained critical praise for his performance in “Southie” (1999) and a supporting role in “The Sixth Sense” (1999).
Donnie later appeared in HBO’s acclaimed miniseries “Band of Brothers”, playing Lieutenant C. Carwood Lipton. He went on to star in films such as “Dreamcatcher,” “Saw II,” “Saw III,” and “Righteous Kill.”
Television Success and “Blue Bloods” Salary
In 2010, Wahlberg landed one of his most successful roles as Detective Danny Reagan on the CBS crime drama “Blue Bloods.” The show has been a long-running hit and a major source of his income.
- Early seasons: $60,000 per episode (about $1.3 million per season)
- Recent seasons: $150,000 per episode, earning roughly $3.3 million per season
This salary has played a significant role in increasing Donnie Wahlberg net worth over the past decade.
Reality TV and Business Ventures
Donnie also stars in and executive produces the reality series “Wahlburgers,” which chronicles his family and their restaurant business. The show earned Emmy nominations and expanded the Wahlberg brand.
He co-owns the Wahlburgers restaurant chain with his brothers Mark and Paul Wahlberg, adding another steady income stream.
New Kids on the Block Reunion
In 2008, Donnie reunited with New Kids on the Block for the album “The Block,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts. The reunion led to multiple world tours, including the successful “Package Tour” alongside 98 Degrees and Boyz II Men.
Personal Life
Donnie Wahlberg was married to Kim Fey from 1999 to 2008, and they share two sons. In 2014, he married actress and television personality Jenny McCarthy, and he is stepfather to her son.
Despite a widely reported arson incident in 1991, which was later dismissed, Wahlberg rebuilt his image and has maintained a successful and steady career across multiple industries.
Donnie Wahlberg Net Worth
With earnings from music, television, film, producing, and business ventures, Donnie Wahlberg net worth stands at approximately $25 million.