“I Call Him Dad Now, And He Calls Me Son”: Donnie Wahlberg Sees a Father Figure in Tom Selleck

Since its debut in 2010, Blue Bloods has captivated viewers with its compelling portrayal of the Reagan family — a multigenerational clan of New York City law enforcement officers who tackle justice and family dinners with equal tenacity.

Now in its 13th season, the show's longevity can be credited to tight writing, consistent storytelling, and an ensemble cast whose chemistry feels almost too real to be just acting.

One of the most emotional and heartwarming off-screen relationships to emerge from the series is that between Donnie Wahlberg (who plays Detective Danny Reagan) and Tom Selleck, the iconic actor who brings patriarch Frank Reagan to life.

A Special Bond Beyond the Show

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight following the passing of his mother, Alma, Donnie Wahlberg opened up about the deep support he received from his Blue Bloods family — particularly from Selleck.

"I call him dad now, and he calls me son. I mean, that's how we talk to each other off-camera," Wahlberg shared, visibly moved.

The connection didn’t start that way. According to Wahlberg, while he immediately felt at home with the Reagan family dynamic in the script — having grown up in a family of nine children himself — Selleck took a little longer to warm up.

“First he used to kind of grumble at me, like... ‘This music guy’s kind of weird.’ And then now he calls me son.”

Wahlberg, once best known for his music career with New Kids on the Block, says that despite their different backgrounds, the bond between him and Selleck has grown into something deeply personal and sincere.

Family Values On and Off the Screen

It’s no surprise that the show’s portrayal of loyalty, tradition, and family values resonates so deeply with fans — because those same values are reflected behind the scenes.

Today, Tom Selleck isn’t just a co-star to Wahlberg; he’s become a true father figure to not only him, but to much of the cast. Wahlberg describes Selleck as both a steadfast leader on set and a gentle presence who doesn’t hand out affection lightly.

“You know, you get a hug out of Tom Selleck, that’s a big deal,” Wahlberg joked, affectionately.

Why Fans Love the Blue Bloods Cast So Much

This real-life camaraderie is one of the many reasons why fans continue to tune in season after season. There’s an authenticity to the Reagan family that’s hard to fake — and now we know it’s because so much of it is real.

As Blue Bloods continues to evolve, so too does the relationship between Wahlberg and Selleck. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best parts of acting are the bonds that form when the cameras stop rolling.

In Wahlberg’s words, “I saw my own father in Frank Reagan. And now, I see Tom Selleck as one, too.”