Donnie Wahlberg - Catch His Spirit!
Donald Wahlberg of New Kids on the Block has an extraordinary personality. If you've ever seen the New Kids in action, you know that Donnie has got an incredible amount of energy. He's always jumping around, dancing up a storm, and running back and forth shaking audience members' hands.
A major aspect of Donnie's philosophy is sharing. Since Donnie grew up in such a large family - eight brothers and sisters - sharing was an important part of the Wahlberg household. Even when he was just a youngster growing up in Dorchester, Donnie had his mind set on peace.
"When I was growing up, I was always the family peacemaker," he recalls. "I couldn't stand to see people fighting - not seriously fighting, that is - I would always try to convince whoever was fighting to make up."
Now that he's a lot older, Donnie hasn't strayed very far from his original morals and standards. He knows the difference between right and wrong. People may jump to the conclusion that Donnie and the other Kids are spoiled by their incredible fame, fortune, and success. However, Donnie knows that money isn't everything - and it certainly can't buy you happiness or love.
"My family is truly where my heart is," says Donnie. "I love sharing my good fortune with them. There's so many things I wanted when I had no money. Now I don't want them. I just want to do for my friends and family."
To Donnie, success is more than just selling millions of albums, selling out every show and making lots of money. Their fans are very important to Donnie and all the rest of the New Kids. "See, for me, that's what my success is, my relationship with the fans," he says. "When I'm doing good with them, onstage and off, that's when I feel good. That's when I'm a success in my own mind."
It's obvious that Donnie has a good head on his shoulders. He's not only got an incredible lust for life and happiness, but he's really a kind-hearted, caring guy. Look up the word "enthusiastic" in the dictionary, and there you'll see Donnie Wahlberg with a huge grin on his face. He's just that kinda guy!
All-Stars: Circa '91