This article contains references and discussions about suicide and murder
Donnie Wahlberg’s role in The Sixth Sense was a brief but unforgettable part of the horror film. The singer and actor has played numerous film and TV characters and shared his personal life on two reality shows, allowing a behind-the-scenes look at running a fast food franchise with his brothers in Wahlburgers and his relationship with Jennie McCarthy in Donnie loves Jenny. M. Night Shyamalan The Sixth Sense is famous for its twist in the film’s last moments, which harkens back to Wahlberg’s small role as Vincent Grey.
After joining New Kids on the Block in 1984, Wahlberg appeared in several films in the 1990s and 2000s, including the role of Chollo in Bullfighter and the intelligent detective Eric Matthews in Mountain range franchise. He has also played many long-running TV detectives and police characters, including Danny Reagan in Blue Blood and Joel Stevens in Growing city. Wahlberg’s role in The Sixth Sense It’s significant and has a huge impact on the story.
Donnie Walhberg played Vincent Gray in The Sixth Sense
Vincent kicks off the film and gives the final twist
Donnie Wahlberg played Vincent Gray in The Sixth Senseand her backstory with Malcolm is the key to the surprise ending that is one of the most discussed in the horror and thriller genre. Vincent began working with Malcolm as a child and shared that he saw ghosts, which echoes Cole’s situation. Vincent appears in the opening scene and shoots Malcolm in his home and then himself.
The Sixth Sense The ending reveals that Malcolm has been dead the whole time and his former patient was the one who killed him. Vincent is a lonely and sympathetic character who has been haunted by his situation for decades. Although Wahlberg’s appearance is brief, his character has a profound effect on Malcolm, who is distraught over his failure to protect his patient from danger.
Vincent shares his frustration that Malcolm didn’t stop him from seeing ghosts and is tired of being told that something is wrong with him. Wahlberg’s performance is strong, showing Vincent’s vulnerability and fear, and the film portrays his character’s mental health struggles.
Wahlberg went on an intense diet for the role
The actor committed to the physical representation of the problematic character
Donnie Wahlberg was attracted to Sixth Sense script immediately and was more than willing to commit to the small role. Similar to many other actors who have lost weight for film roles Wahlberg managed to lose 43 kilos to play Vincent. According to USA todaythe actor wanted to look “emaciated“as Vincent misused several substances and began living away from his family in an apartment in New York City. He said:
“I fasted for two days and then only ate steamed cabbage and drank beet juice… I didn’t shower for weeks. the only way I could.“
Although Wahlberg used extreme (and dangerous) methods to get into character, his empathy for Vincent proves that he was the right person to take on the role. He seemed to completely understand the struggles the character was facing and used those emotions to help elevate his performance (and that of his colleagues).
The Sixth Sense Is Donnie Wahlberg’s Most Memorable Role
The Sixth Sense Allowed Wahlberg’s Talents to Shine
Although Donnie Wahlberg has acted in many films and television shows before and after his role in The Sixth Sensehis brief appearance as Vincent Gray in the film remains his most memorable role. But younger horror fans may know him better as Eric Matthews in Mountain range film franchise. Wahlberg first appeared in Saw II and made several appearances in some of the sequels that followed. He also starred alongside Robert De Niro and Al Pacino in the crime film Just Death.
Donnie Wahlberg’s most memorable roles:
Film |
Character |
---|---|
Saw II (2005) |
Eric Matheus |
Blue Bloods (2010-2024) |
Daniel Fitzgerald “Danny” Reagan |
Band of Brothers (2001) |
Carwood Lipton |
Just Death (2008) |
Detective Teddy Riley |
On television, Wahlberg found other roles that brought him many fans. His most enduring role to date has been as Daniel “Danny” Fitzgerald Reagan in the police procedural series. Blue Blood. But if there’s a role for Wahlberg that can compete with The Sixth Sense in terms of popularity and acclaim is his performance as Carwood Lipton, a key member of Easy Company, in the acclaimed miniseries Band of Brothers.
Although all of these roles gave Wahlberg more screen time than he had in The Sixth SenseVincent Gray remains the most memorable and the most impressive. Wahlberg often gravitated to playing tough roles, often police officers. Even a more layered character like Lipton in Band of Brothers it just requires the similarly stoic performance Wahlberg is known for. However, The Sixth Sense allowed him to show a different side of his talents.
The physical transformation the actor has undergone is considerable, but his performance is still the most impressive aspect. Wahlberg is able to emphasize Vincent’s chilling qualities while also being vulnerable and sympathetic. The fact that he can add so many layers to the character in such a brief appearance makes it all the more impressive. Furthermore, Vincent’s role in The Sixth Sense It’s central to the story and the unforgettable reveal. This cements Wahlberg and his performance in the minds of the audience based on his enormous impact on the story.
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, The Sixth Sense is a psychological thriller about a boy who can see and communicate with ghosts. Bruce Willis as Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist who tries to help Cole, played by Haley Joel Osment, as he struggles with his own personal demons. The film features a surprising ending that has become iconic in pop culture.
- Release date
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August 6, 1999
- Execution time
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107 minutes