Tom Selleck is a name you’re probably familiar with. How can we forget Thomas Magnum or Dr. Richard Burke, after all? Because of his mustache, you might recognize him. Regardless, he is without a doubt one of the best actors in Hollywood. Despite his notoriety, many things about him are unknown to his followers. Let’s take a closer look at the personal life of this living icon. Read on to learn more about his family, the case, and his previous work.
The Skinny on Tom Selleck, A Hollywood Legend
Dreamer
His family moved from Detroit to California when he was a child. His mother was a stay-at-home parent, and his father was a real estate investor. They taught him the value of having a strong work ethic, which he will remember for the rest of his life. It’s even something he’s informed his daughter about. In 2017, when Selleck’s mother died, he said, “She’s always been there and always been very fair — even when she said, ‘Wait till your father gets home,’ which usually was for good reason.”
Dreamer
Not The NBA
Selleck went to the University of Southern California on a basketball scholarship. In his spare time, he worked as a model. He was enrolled in a Business Administration program, but his theatrical teacher suggested he try acting instead. Selleck, fortunately, heeded the suggestion and studied acting with Milton Katselas at the Beverly Hills Playhouse.
Not The NBA
My Country
He also served in the United States Army, which is surprising. He was assigned to the 160th Infantry Regiment of the California Army National Guard. Selleck has boasted about his military service. “I am a veteran, I’m proud of it. I was a sergeant in the U.S. Army infantry, National Guard, Vietnam era. We’re all brothers and sisters in that sense.”
My Country
Influence
Reaching the age of 70, according to Selleck, was a turning point in his life. It was the first time since his father’s death that he felt like an adult, according to reports. He clarified, “I had had a lot of leadership positions, I had been in the military…but you know, in my case, when my father died, I go, ‘There’s nobody to go to for fatherly advice. You’re on your own, pal’.”
Influence
Only The Start
Selleck was already a model, but did you know he was also a contestant on The Dating Game? His fraternity brothers and theatrical coach persuaded him to audition for the reality show. Following his performance on the show, Pepsi called him and asked him to appear in a commercial. It would immediately turn him into a celebrity! This was the start of a tremendous career, though no one understood it at the time.
Only The Start
Opportunity
Twentieth Century Fox would eventually pay attention to Selleck. They clearly desired him, and it’s fortunate for Selleck that he saw an opportunity when he saw it. He started acting training the next day after joining the firm. Certainly an opportunity for Selleck that changed his life!
Opportunity
Soap Opera Kid
The next time viewers saw him was on the television show The Young and the Restless, in which he played Jed Andrews, a minor character on the show. The most fascinating aspect of this is that it demonstrates how life imitates art! As it turns out, the love triangle that his character experienced occurred in real life as well!
Tom Selleck
Beginnings
He was able to obtain his biggest gig at the age of 35. Of course, we’re referring to Magnum’s Thomas Magnum! He earned the job that would rocket him to new heights of fame after a succession of small appearances. Did you know he traveled to Hawaii for the role, only for it to be canceled? Due to a writer’s strike, filming had to be postponed. During this time, Selleck supplemented his income by working as a handyman!
Beginnings
Magnum P.I.
Without a doubt, the show Magnum P.I. was a big success! After all, it lasted eight seasons and had a total of 163 episodes. If that’s not a sign of a successful show, we’re not sure what is! Who wouldn’t identify him with his trademark mustache, Detroit Tigers baseball cap, and Hawaiian t-shirts?
Magnum P.I.
They See Me Rollin’
Of course, Thomas Magnum’s red Ferrari will go down in history. Fun fact: the character was originally going to drive a Porsche! On the other hand, Selleck’s height made him unsuited for such vehicles. That’s why the Ferrari’s color was changed to red! We’re sure Ferrari’s sales department appreciates Selleck’s presence!
They See Me Rollin
Nothing But Respect
Larry Manetti, his Magnum co-star, wrote a memoir called Aloha Magnum in 1996. When something like this occurs, it is always followed by a flurry of debates! However, this did not apply to Tom Selleck. Manetti, in fact, was full of praise for the performer. He praised Selleck’s dedication to the project as well as his friendship with the cast and crew.
Nothing But Respect
Star!
Is it really so unexpected that Tom Selleck has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Almost certainly not. He earned it, after all! He was approached for the part in 1986, and it is clear that it would not have happened if Magnum P.I. had not been present. Fans should go to 6925 Hollywood Boulevard to see it for themselves.
Star
One, Two
In Magnum, P.I., we can’t imagine anyone else playing Thomas Magnum. Did you know that Kevin Dobson was originally cast in the role? It’s lucky that the TV actor declined the part in the end. It was certainly beneficial to Selleck!
One Two
A Miss
During the filming of Magnum, P.I., the actor was not allowed to work on any other projects. For the singer, whose star was at an all-time high at the time, it had to be difficult. He had to turn down the starring part in Raiders of the Lost Ark due to schedule conflicts! Here’s the kicker: he might have been able to pull it off if he’d known the writer’s strike was on the way. Ouch.
A Miss
Swing And A Miss
The Victor/Victoria production team approached him in 1982. He was apprehensive at first to take the role, but he soon realized he wanted to be a part of the project. Unfortunately, Magnum’s production had already begun, thus it was too late.
Swing And A Miss
Creative Team
Selleck was outspoken when it came to his character’s scripting. Thomas Magnus was not written in the same style as the one we saw on television. The character was imagined as a charming debonair in the vein of James Bond. Selleck approached them and convinced them to dress more casually. We’re thrilled he was able to change the path, and we’re sure the rest of the crew is, too!
Creative Team
First Wife
Tom Selleck married model Jacqueline Ray after a year of courtship. They would, however, file for divorce after 11 years of marriage. Kevin, her son, was adopted by him, and even after their divorce, the two remained close. We’re confident that not every stepfather would behave in the same manner.
First Wife
A Superstar of It’s Own
Without his mustache, Tom Selleck isn’t Tom Selleck! After all, it’s one of the face’s most well-known features. It is undeniably a celebrity in its own right. We’re confident you wouldn’t recognize him if he didn’t have it. That’s how much it has an impact on his persona. He is, however, frequently misidentified as another man.
A Superstar of It’s Own
Agree to Disagree
While Selleck’s mustache is well-known, it is also what causes him to be confused with other celebrities. One man, in particular, had a special place in his heart. The following is what the actor had to say about it: “There was a time I could have been mistaken for Burt Reynolds. I had a mustache and so did he. But he was the number one star in the world, so there wasn’t really much confusion.”
Agree To Disagree
His Mustache’s Agent
Stephen Colbert was overjoyed to have Magnum PI on his show, but he was even more thrilled with his mustache! The mustache even had its own agency, according to the two! Colbert cracked a brilliant joke, “It [the mustache] precedes you into the room by about 30 seconds!”
His Mustaches Agent
the
Mustache For President
Stephen Colbert even went so far as to make a joke about his mustache. He asked, “I know you have never expressed any desire to run for public office, but what about your mustache because I would vote for that thing!” The joke was a hit with both the audience and Tom Selleck.
Mustache For President
Ay Baby
Before Magnum concluded its run, Selleck appeared in the comedy Three Men and a Baby opposite Ted Danson and Steve Guttenberg. Magnum aided Selleck’s career, but the picture only boosted his profile. The film went on to become the biggest box office hit of the year!
Ay Baby
Jimmy Fallon – The Ghost
Selleck was asked about the infamous story of a boy who died in the house where Three Men and a Baby was filmed when he appeared on Jimmy Fallon’s show. The audience erupted in laughter when Selleck disclosed that the movie was actually shot on a set that they had built for the picture. “Well, we shot it on a sound stage, They built the set and all.”
Jimmy Fallon The Ghost
Love Story
Tom Selleck and Jillie Mack had also exchanged vows around the same time. They have been together as one since then. They have a wonderful daughter named Hannah and currently reside in California.
Love Story
Small Role
Did you know that his parents and wife both starred in the TV show Magnum P.I.? Yes, you are accurate. Selleck was the one who made it feasible. Although the parts were minor, who doesn’t appreciate on-set family drama? Jillie Mack played Rembrandt’s Girl in the fourth season of the show.
Small Role
The Right
Not all artists are open about their political beliefs. Selleck isn’t among these well-known figures. He is an outspoken Republican who has endorsed John McCain for President. He also belongs to the National Rifle Association. He’s on the Board of Directors as well!
The Right
Neither Here Nor There
Despite having an interest in politics in the past, Selleck did not proclaim support for Trump during the 2016 election. He has kept mute on whether he voted for Clinton or Trump in the presidential election. He hasn’t, however, vanished. The actor wrote a letter to Chief David Brown of the Dallas Police Department thanking him for his leadership following the police shooting in Dallas that year.
Neither Here Nor There
Cha-Ching
Over the course of his career, the actor has appeared in over 50 films and television episodes. Despite this, his net worth is barely $25 million. To the normal person, that may sound like a lot of money, but it’s nothing compared to the sums paid to other celebrities of his caliber.
Cha-Ching
Baywatch
Did you know he was rumored to be Baywatch’s Mitch Buchannon? Yes, the actor may have played the protagonist in the popular 1990s series! So why did he say no? Strangely enough, it was because Tom Selleck did not want to be a sex symbol. This is why David Hasselhoff, rather than Tom Selleck, was cast in the role.
Baywatch
Dr. Richard Burke
Friends is a popular television show, and his portrayal of Dr. Richard Burke on the show undoubtedly contributed to his success. He played the ophthalmologist Monica Geller dated for a spell. He even received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series!
Dr. Richard Burke
Visiting Rachael Ray
In an interview with celebrity chef Rachael Ray, Tom Selleck shared an amusing incident about an eccentric fan. While he was at the eye doctor, the woman behind the desk couldn’t figure out where she knew him from (ironic for Friends fans). After mentioning other TV shows, Selleck finally hit the nail on the head when he stated she would identify him as Dr. Burke from Friends.
Visiting Rachael Ray
David Letterman
When Selleck first met David Letterman for an interview in 1993, the conversation soon turned to his lack of success in Japan. He mentioned that no one recognized him during his four months in Japan, in addition to expressing his loneliness.
David Letterman
Frank Reagan
He was most recently seen on television in the role of police commissioner Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods. Here’s an interesting fact: he is routinely saluted by actual officers whenever he exits the stage. Officers are expected to respect all police commissioners, therefore his being mistaken for one is a testament to his amazing acting ability. Props!
Frank Reagan
Dad Jokes
Because we’re talking about Frank Reagan, fellow actor Donnie Wahlberg had a lot to say about him. “He can [be funny], yes, usually after he makes sure everyone understands what’s important. It would feel like Christmas on a Tuesday night in August when my dad started telling jokes and it’s the same thing with Tom when he starts with his oddball jokes and his weird rhymes that he tells from 1930 that are so funny. Everybody feels so much lighter and happier.”
Dad Jokes
An Affair To Remember
We’re glad he’s happy in his marriage, but when he was single, he was quite the heartbreaker. According to Marie Helvin’s memoir, she and the actor were having an affair. Here’s an example: “When I visited Hawaii once, Tom Selleck was shooting for Magnum PI. We met and bit of an affair started, then Selleck came to London, we had dinner and went back to his hotel. But the next morning, I sent him a letter to break off this relationship because I was worried about my married life. Later on after a week, he joined Musical Cats backstage and met his wife-to-be.”
An Affair To Remember
Tom and Mimi
Following the encounter, he began dating Mimi Rogers. She would eventually marry Tom Cruise, but not before dating Selleck. The two had a difficult relationship for a year.
Tom And Mimi
Grilled By Rosie
Selleck would appear on Rosie O’Donnell’s show to promote the 1999 film The Love Letter. That’s what he thought, at least! O’Donnell would interrogate him on his views on gun control. He, on the other hand, was uninterested. He simply said, “It’s your show, and you can talk about it after I leave.”
Grilled By Rosie
Killers
In the 2010 picture Killers, Selleck starred alongside Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl. Mr. Kornfeldt would be played by Kutcher, who had already decided on the type of actor he wanted to play. He revealed, “I call Mr. Kornfeldt ‘Sir’ in the script a lot. And I was thinking, ‘Who am I going to call Sir?’ Who’s a bigger guy, who’s got an intimidating thing, but doesn’t have to try to be intimidating?” Tom Selleck, of course, would be the person he’s talking about.
Killers
A Break
Everyone needs to take a break now and then. Selleck discovered the same problem when he couldn’t find time for his wife and children while working on Magnum. He was admirable for prioritizing his family over his work. The amount of love he has for his family is incredible. Not everyone wants to take part in the same way!
A Break
Hard Times
Selleck reveals his key to a successful marriage. “I’ve found it very difficult to expose my private life and live with it. It’s important to nurture your marriage. I think wanting time away from work has been good for that.” If you ask us, that’s very amazing advice!
Hard Times
Reasons Reasons
In a recent interview with Closer Weekly, he voiced his wish to leave Magnum P.I., saying, “Magnum, P.I. went to 163 shows and we still had ground to cover, and I wasn’t tired of it. I was tired from it because I was in every shot,” he shared. Blue Bloods, on the other hand, was less difficult because his character was not featured in every scene.
Reasons Reasons
Not The Only Reason
Aside from what he said, there was a far deeper motive. “I quit Magnum to have a family. It took a long time to get off the train, but I try very hard to have balance,” he explained. This is a man who recognizes his priorities and works diligently to attain them.
Not The Only Reason
Words of Wisdom
Selleck’s first marriage ended in divorce, but his second marriage is undoubtedly permanent. He is madly in love with her. The couple has been together for 30 years and continues to thrive. How do they pull it off? Selleck claims that “It’s important to nurture your marriage. I think wanting time away from work has been good for that.”
Words Of Wisdom
I Do
In 1987, the pair married quietly, surprise both the general public and the media. Tom’s brother Bob planned the wedding in a Lake Tahoe chapel. They didn’t use their names on the register, though! The pair used the aliases “Tom Jenkins” and “Suzie Mark.” Even the pastor had no idea who they were until the ceremony!
I Do
Nervous
The wedding officiant said the following about the event: “They were both nervous, like any other couple about to get married. He was very concerned that the service be heartfelt, very concerned for her that the service be meaningful. He is a very warm, caring man.” Tom Selleck sure sounds like a fantastic guy!
Nervous
My Daughter, Hannah
As a father, Tom Selleck adores his daughter Hannah. Her parents wanted her to have a normal childhood, so they sought to keep their private life out of the spotlight. She’s become a professional equestrienne! Hannah does some modeling on the side for her sponsors and friends.
My Daughter Hannah
Encouragement
Hannah’s parents did not raise her to be a socialite. She grew up on the family’s farm for most of her childhood. She was able to understand the value of hard work while she was there. She also learned to like horses while she was there. “As a kid, they tried to raise me as normally as possible given my dad’s line of work. Those horses have been a great way for me to have my own accomplishments outside of whatever my parents had done,” said Hannah.
Encouragement
Our Decision
It felt natural for them to start a family on their 65-acre farm. Jillie revealed, “We both thought it was the best environment for [Hannah] to grow up.” Seeing how Hannah turned out? We pretty much agree with their decision in raising her the way they did!
Our Decision
Farm Life
Hannah has always loved horses, so it’s no surprise that she decided to pursue a career as an equestrian. If she didn’t pursue her passion, her life would be entirely different. “I have a small breeding program in California where I’m developing young horses to bring along and sell. It’s a business that so far has been really great and a great experience,” she said. “It is a very expensive sport, so that is why my dad encouraged and invested in this breeding operation. They have been very supportive. The prices of horses have become astronomical. So that’s why it’s so much more rewarding to bring a horse along on your own.”
Farm Life