Life imitates art for Blue Bloods stars Bridget Moynahan and Donnie Wahlberg. After playing on-screen siblings Erin and Danny Reagan for 14 years, the co-stars have become BFFs in real life, with the actress referring to Donnie as her “brother” on social media.

Bridget and Donnie, who began working on the series in 2010, knew they would be “friends forever” after meeting on a completely different pilot episode. Appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show in May, Donnie, 55, revealed that they actually met while working on an untitled show.

“We did a pilot episode before Blue Bloods and we got along really well,” he remarked. “Then when I first read Blue Bloods, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, Bridget has to play my sister.’” Noting that the pilot for the first series never materialized, the A-lister recalled that he really wanted to work with the actress again.

As it turns out, Bridget had initially turned down her role in Blue Bloods, until Donnie called her. “I begged, I confessed, and I made her an offer she couldn’t refuse, which was I would give her my entire salary if we couldn’t film in New York, so thank God we were filming in New York,” he revealed to Entertainment Tonight.
After Donnie’s efforts, Bridget would eventually sign on for Blue Bloods, and after years of working together, she would help him meet his now-wife, Jenny McCarthy. “I know you two were a super hot couple already,” Bridget shared on The Drew Barrymore Show. “But I definitely said — like my mom would say — he was a good pothead.” Donnie chimed in, noting that Jenny, who was already friends with Bridget, had asked her questions about him in the early days of their relationship. “Luckily, Bridget said nice things,” he beamed. Over the years as friends, Bridget and Donnie have become closer than ever, and while Blue Bloods is coming to an end this fall, we’re sure they’ll remain in each other’s orbit. On her 55th birthday in August, Bridget shared a sweet throwback photo with Donnie. “This is @donniewahlberg convincing me that I need another Leo in my life. He’s not wrong. Can’t imagine my life without my brother from another mother. Love you!” Happy Birthday!” she wrote in the caption. For Donnie and Bridget, Blue Bloods’ cancellation in November was heartbreaking considering the cast’s close bond.