Tom Selleck has enjoyed a long and illustrious career in show business. The star of Magnum, P.I., and Blue Bloods remains passionate about his work, with the next season of the successful drama series set to air soon.
Throughout his career, Selleck has taken on many demanding roles. Known for performing his own stunts, the 77-year-old has faced the consequences of these physical feats.
Early Life and Start of Acting Career
Selleck dreamt of attending the University of Southern California (USC), but his family couldn’t afford the tuition
fees. Graduating from Grant High School in 1962, he enrolled at Los Angeles Valley College, living at home to save money. Initially, it seemed likely that Tom would pursue a career in athletics. As an up-and-coming basketball player, he was thrilled to receive a basketball scholarship to USC.
However, playing at a high college level proved challenging. During the 1965-1966 season, Selleck scored just four points in seven games for the USC Trojans and went scoreless in three games the following year. Despite his efforts, he couldn’t compete with his taller teammates. Reflecting on this, Selleck said, “I was pretty good, but I wasn’t good enough.”
Understanding that basketball wasn’t his future, Selleck took a side job to help pay tuition, landing gigs in television commercials and appearing on The Dating Game. Though not his proudest moment, it significantly impacted his future. Shortly after, he joined 20th Century Fox’s talent program but took a six-month leave for active duty. Upon returning, he was dropped from the program. Despite this setback, he remained confident in his acting career.
Breakthrough with ‘Magnum, P.I.’
In the early 1970s, Selleck landed smaller parts in television series and starred in six television pilots. His big breakthrough came with the role of Thomas Magnum in Magnum, P.I., which aired from 1980 to 1988. The show brought him instant celebrity status, earning him an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1984. Reflecting on his career, Selleck said, “I think if Magnum hadn’t worked out, I’d never have worked again in this business.”
Later Career and Personal Life
Selleck’s career continued to flourish with roles in films like Three Men and a Baby and In & Out. He gained a new generation of fans as Richard Burke in Friends and took on the role of Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods, which has been renewed for its 13th season.
Personal Struggles and Family Life
Selleck has performed many of his own stunts, which have taken a toll on his body. He mentioned, “My back’s kind of messed up” and discussed the impact of performing stunts without proper preparation.
Despite his successful career, Selleck values family life. He and his wife, Jillie Mack, have been married for 35 years. The couple met in the 1980s, and after a private wedding in 1987, they welcomed their daughter, Hannah. Selleck prioritizes his family over stardom, stating, “I quit Magnum to have a family.”
Passion for Horses
Selleck and his daughter share a passion for horses, and they have a side business breeding horses. Hannah has pursued a successful career in professional riding, despite a severe injury in 2018. She now runs Descanso Farm, a breeding and training operation.
Tom Selleck remains a beloved figure, admired for his dedication to his craft and his family. We wish him and his family continued good health and happiness.