DONNIE WAHLBERG I'M GRATEFUL for Every Day

The Blue Bloods star and NKOTB singer reflects on his life, marriage and career

- Fortune Benatar

When New Kids on the Block burst onto the music scene in 1988, critics dismissed Donnie Wahlberg, 53, and his group of Boston-bred youths as a flash in the pan. Today, he’s proved them all wrong with a diverse and robust career that includes music, acting and more. He is a fan favorite on the family police drama Blue Bloods, which is currently in its 13th season. Donnie’s musical group, now called NKOTB, is still going strong almost 40 years after they became the first modern boy band. “We haven’t announced anything yet, but I’m telling you first,” he confides to Closer. “We’ll definitely tour again.”

Donnie is also the host and executive producer of Very Scary People, a true-crime series currently in its fifth season and airing on Investigation Discovery. “My role in the show is different from anything else I do,” he explains. “I’m like an anchorman. I set up this story and let the people close to it and the experts tell it.”

What can viewers expect from the new season of Very Scary People?

There are people and situations we focus on that are somewhat surprising. I was really surprised, for example, about the Times Square Killer. I’ve never heard of this serial killer. It’s as intense and heavy as anything we’ve done in the first four seasons.

What do you hope viewers take away from the series?

My wife, Jenny [McCarthy], said, “When I watch the show with you, it helps me to think of all the things I can do to protect myself.” I hope viewers take it as something they can use to help themselves avoid bad situations.

What scares you in real life?