Donnie Wahlberg Reflects on the 25th Anniversary of "Ransom"

On November 8, 1996, “Ransom”, directed by Ron Howard and starring Mel Gibson, was released in US cinemas and BHs got to watch Donnie Wahlberg’s first big break as an actor.

Donnie Wahlberg as Cubby Barnes in Ransom (1996)

Did You Know? “Ransom” wasn’t Donnie Wahlberg’s first movie; Donnie’s first appearance in cinemas was in the movie “Bullet”, released a month before on October 1, 1996.

Now, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the movie “Ransom”, Donnie wrote on Instagram:

“25 years ago the movie #Ransom was released. Still can’t believe that Ron Howard took a chance on a guy from a broken up boy band, trying to become an actor, when nobody else seemed willing to take a chance on me. Grateful that Ron believed in me, and thankful to my dear friend Gary Stromberg for encouraging me to take that drive down to NY (for the hundredth time) to audition for yet another movie that I figured I’d never get hired for. Low and behold — I got the part of Cubby Barnes, the kidnapper with a heart of gold. One of the many reasons that I never ever doubt that anything is possible. #Believe #NoQuit #Thankful #GodsPlan #Ransom25 🙏🏼❤️”
Donnie Wahlberg, IG, Nov 9, 2021

Donnie Wahlberg and Ron Howard on the set of Ransom (1996)

Donnie also added,

“ps — I also got to work on my first day with one of my all time favorite actors Gary Sinise and to be “mentored” by the incredible Liev Schreiber. 🙏🏼”
Donnie Wahlberg, IG, Nov 9, 2021

Liev Schreiber and Donnie Wahlberg in Ransom (1996)

Since then, Donnie Wahlberg has been part of major productions such us – to name a few – “The Sixth Sense” (1999) and the Saw franchise (2005-2007); the successful HBO mini series “Band of Brothers” (2001) and CBS “Blue Bloods” which is currently in its 10th season.

Wahlberg has also directed Blue Bloods’ S4 E14 “Manhattan Queens” (2014); and he has produced “Boston’s Finest” (2013) and “Very Scary People” (2019); once again, to name a few… Because as BHs, we cannot omit “Donnie Loves Jenny” (2015), “Rock This Boat” (2015), “Return of the Mac” (2017) and our all time favorite reality show “Wahlburgers” (2014)

Bottom line is, when Donnie Wahlberg says “#Believe, #NoQuit”, he means “Work hard; kick ass; be kind; repeat.”