Most Famous Donnies and Donnys in the World

Plenty of well-known entertainers, athletes, and media figures share the first name Donnie or Donny, spanning film, television, music, and sports. Below is a friendly, easy-to-scan guide to the most recognizable people with this name, highlighting what they are best known for and the projects or achievements that made them widely familiar.

Donnie Yen

Donnie Yen is a Hong Kong–born actor, martial artist, and filmmaker known for blending traditional kung fu with modern screen fighting techniques. He became internationally famous through the ‘Ip Man’ film series, and later reached global audiences with roles in ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ and ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’. Beyond acting, he serves as an action director and fight choreographer on numerous productions. He is widely credited with popularizing mixed-martial-arts-style choreography in Chinese-language cinema.

Donnie Wahlberg

Donnie Wahlberg is an American singer and actor who rose to fame with the pop group ‘New Kids on the Block’. On television, he stars in the long-running police drama ‘Blue Bloods’ and has appeared in reality series such as ‘Wahlburgers’. His film work includes notable turns in ‘The Sixth Sense’ and entries in the ‘Saw’ franchise. He has also produced television projects and toured extensively with his group’s reunion shows.

Donny Osmond

Donny Osmond is an American singer, actor, and television host who started performing with ‘The Osmonds’ before launching a solo career. He co-headlined the variety show ‘Donny & Marie’ and later returned to the stage in major theatrical productions. He has hosted game and talk shows and appeared on reality programs including ‘Dancing with the Stars’. His career spans decades of recording, live residencies, and family entertainment projects.

Donny Hathaway

Donny Hathaway was an American soul singer, composer, and pianist known for his rich vocals and sophisticated arrangements. His catalog includes enduring recordings such as ‘This Christmas’ and acclaimed duets with Roberta Flack, including ‘Where Is the Love’. The live album ‘Live’ is frequently cited for its influential performances and arrangements. His songwriting, session work, and collaborations left a lasting imprint on R&B, neo-soul, and pop artists.

Donnie McClurkin

Donnie McClurkin is an American gospel singer and pastor recognized for powerful modern gospel standards. His best-known songs include ‘Stand’ and ‘We Fall Down’, which have been widely performed in church and concert settings. He has received multiple major awards for gospel music and has performed globally. He also hosted the nationally syndicated ‘The Donnie McClurkin Show’ on radio, expanding his influence beyond the pulpit and stage.

Donnie Van Zant

Donnie Van Zant is an American rock vocalist and co-founder of the Southern rock band ’38 Special’. He also records and performs with his brother in the duo ‘Van Zant’. With ’38 Special’, he contributed to a run of radio staples and arena tours that defined the group’s blend of rock and melody. He later stepped back from touring due to hearing issues but remains a notable figure in the genre’s history.

Donnie Simpson

Donnie Simpson is an American radio and television personality best known for hosting BET’s flagship music program ‘Video Soul’. He became a fixture in Washington, D.C. radio with top-rated morning and afternoon shows. Over his career, he has interviewed hundreds of major artists across R&B, hip-hop, and pop. His smooth on-air style and long tenure helped shape mainstream music broadcasting.

Donny Deutsch

Donny Deutsch is an American advertising executive and television host who led the agency Deutsch Inc. during a period of rapid growth. He hosted the business-and-entrepreneurship program ‘The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch’. He appears regularly as a media and marketing commentator on national news and talk shows, including ‘Morning Joe’. His career bridges brand building, television presenting, and public speaking.

Donnie Dunagan

Donnie Dunagan is an American former child actor best known as the voice of the young title character in Disney’s ‘Bambi’. He appeared in several films as a child before leaving the industry. After acting, he served a distinguished career in the United States Marine Corps. His early work remains a notable piece of animation and Hollywood history.

Donnie Iris

Donnie Iris is an American rock singer and songwriter known for work with The Jaggerz and his solo career. He first gained attention with the hit single ‘The Rapper’ and later achieved enduring radio play with ‘Ah! Leah!’. He has toured steadily and built a dedicated following, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest. His catalog spans band projects, solo albums, and live recordings.

Share your favorites—or suggest any Donnies we missed—in the comments!