Tom Selleck is certainly a name you’re familiar with. After all, how can we forget Thomas Magnum or Dr. Richard Burke? Perhaps you recognize him because of his mustache. Regardless, he is without a doubt one of Hollywood’s best actors. Despite his celebrity, there are many facts about him that admirers are unaware of. Let’s take a closer look at this living legend’s personal life. Continue reading to learn more about his family, the case, and his earlier works.
The Skinny on Tom Selleck, A Hollywood Legend
Dreamer
When he was a child, his family relocated from Detroit to California. His father worked as a real estate investor, and his mother was a stay-at-home mom. They instilled in him the significance of having a strong work ethic, something he would remember for the rest of his life. He’s even told his daughter about it. When Selleck’s mother died in 2017, he commented, “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
On a basketball scholarship, Selleck attended the University of Southern California. He also worked as a model on the side. He was enrolled in a Business Administration program, but his theatre teacher encouraged him to attempt acting instead. Fortunately, Selleck took the advice and studied acting at the Beverly Hills Playhouse with Milton Katselas.
Not The NBA
My Country
Surprisingly, he also spent time in the United States Army. He was assigned to the California Army National Guard’s 160th Infantry Regiment. Selleck has boasted about his service in the military, “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
According to Selleck, reaching 70 was a watershed moment in his life. It was reportedly the first time since his father’s death that he felt like an adult. He explained, “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
We already knew Selleck was a model, but did you realize he was also a contestant on The Dating Game? He was pushed to audition for the reality program by his fraternity brothers and theater coach. Pepsi contacted him after his appearance on the show and booked him for a commercial. It would instantly make him a celebrity! Though no one realized it at the time, this was the start of a fantastic career.
Only The Start
Opportunity
Twentieth Century Fox would ultimately take notice of Selleck. They certainly wanted him, and it’s a good thing Selleck recognized an opportunity when he saw one. He joined the firm the next day and started acting training the next day.
Opportunity
Soap Opera Kid
The next time people would see him would be on the television show called The Young and the Restless, a show where he played a minor character whose name was Jed Andrews. The most fascinating thing about this is that it proves that life does imitate art! As it turns out, the love triangle that his character went through also happened to him in real life!
Tom Selleck
Beginnings
At the age of 35, he was able to land his biggest role. Of course, we’re talking about Thomas Magnum from Magnum! After a series of minor appearances, he won the role that would catapult him to new heights of fame. Did you know that he flew to Hawaii for the part only to have it canceled? They had to postpone filming due to a writer’s strike. Selleck supplemented his income by working as a handyman during this time!
Beginnings
Magnum P.I.
Needless to say, the show, Magnum P.I., was a huge hit! After all, it had over a total of eight seasons, with a total of 163 episodes. If that isn’t an indicator of a successful show, then we don’t know what is! With his characteristic mustache, Detroit Tigers baseball cap, and Hawaiian t-shirts, who wouldn’t recognize him?
Magnum P.I.
They See Me Rollin’
Of course, the red Ferrari driven by Thomas Magnum will live in infamy. Fun fact: the figure was supposed to drive a Porsche at first! Selleck’s height, on the other hand, was unsuitable for such vehicles. That’s why the Ferrari was altered to a red one! We’re sure Selleck’s figure is appreciated by Ferrari’s sales department!
They See Me Rollin
Nothing But Respect
In 1996, his Magnum co-star Larry Manetti authored Aloha Magnum, a memoir. When something like this happens, it’s always accompanied by a slew of controversies! That did not apply to Tom Selleck, though. In fact, Manetti had nothing but praise for the performer. He lauded Selleck’s incredible work ethic as well as his friendship with the actors and crew.
Nothing But Respect
Star!
Is Tom Selleck’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame really that surprising? Most likely not. After all, he deserved it! He was offered the role in 1986, and it is apparent that it would not have happened if Magnum P.I. had not been present. Fans should visit 6925 Hollywood Boulevard to witness it.
Star
One, Two
We can’t picture anyone else in the role of Thomas Magnum in Magnum, P.I. Did you know that Kevin Dobson was intended to play the part? It’s fortunate that the TV actor ultimately declined the part. It clearly worked in Selleck’s favor!
One Two
A Miss
The actor was not allowed to work on any other projects while filming Magnum, P.I. It had to be difficult for the performer, whose star was at an all-time high at the moment. Due to scheduling issues, he had to decline the role of the lead character in Raiders of the Lost Ark! Here’s the kicker: if he’d known the writer’s strike was coming, he might have been able to pull it off. Ouch.
A Miss
Swing And A Miss
In 1982, he was approached by the Victor/Victoria production team. He was first hesitant to accept the role, but he eventually realized that he wanted to be a part of the project. Unfortunately, it was too late because Magnum’s production had already begun.
Swing And A Miss
Creative Team
When it came to the scripting of his character, Selleck was vociferous. Thomas Magnus was not written in the same way as the one we watched on TV. The persona was envisioned as a charming debonair, similar to James Bond. Selleck spoke to them and persuaded them to dress more like regular people. We’re delighted he was able to modify the course, and we’re sure the rest of the production crew is as well!
Creative Team
First Wife
After a year of courting, Tom Selleck married model Jacqueline Ray. However, after 11 years of marriage, they would eventually sue for divorce. Kevin, her son, was adopted by him, and the two remained close even after their divorce. We’re sure that not every stepfather would have acted in the same way.
First Wife
A Superstar of It’s Own
Tom Selleck isn’t Tom Selleck without his mustache! After all, this is one of the most well-known features of the face. It is, without a doubt, a celebrity in and of itself. If he didn’t have it, we’re sure you wouldn’t recognize him. That’s just how much that affects his persona. However, he is frequently mistaken for another man.
A Superstar of It’s Own
Agree to Disagree
While Selleck’s mustache is renowned, it is also the reason for him being mistaken as other celebrities. He had a special relationship with one man in particular. What the actor had to say about it was as follows: “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 ecstatic to welcome Magnum PI to his show, but he seemed much more ecstatic with his mustache! The two even joked about the mustache having its own agent! Colbert cracked a fantastic joke, “It [the mustache] precedes you into the room by about 30 seconds!”
His Mustaches Agent
the
Mustache For President
Stephen Colbert went even further in making 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 audience, as well as Tom Selleck, loved the joke.
Mustache For President
Ay Baby
Selleck participated in the comedy Three Men and a Baby alongside Ted Danson and Steve Guttenberg before Magnum ended its run. Selleck owed his success to Magnum, but the film merely added to his popularity. The film went on to become the year’s largest box office success!
Ay Baby
Jimmy Fallon – The Ghost
When Selleck appeared on Jimmy Fallon’s show, he was asked about the controversial story of a boy who died in the house where Three Men and a Baby was filmed. When Selleck revealed that the movie was actually shot on a set that they had created for the film, the audience burst out laughing. “Well, we shot it on a sound stage, They built the set and all.”
Jimmy Fallon The Ghost
Love Story
It was also around the same time when Tom Selleck and Jillie Mack had exchanged Vows. Since then, the two had been together as one. They currently live in California, as well as having a lovely daughter named Hannah.
Love Story
Small Role
Did you know that his parents and wife appeared in the television series Magnum P.I.? Yes, it is correct! It was made possible by Selleck. They were tiny roles, but who doesn’t enjoy on-set family drama? From the fourth season of the show, Jillie Mack played Rembrandt’s Girl.
Small Role
The Right
Not all artists are willing to reveal their political leanings. Selleck is not one of these well-known people. He is a devout Republican who has even endorsed John McCain for President. He is a member of the National Rifle Association as well. He’s also a member of the Board of Directors!
The Right
Neither Here Nor There
While Selleck has previously been interested in politics, he did not declare support for Trump during the 2016 election. He has remained silent on whether he voted for Clinton or Trump. He hasn’t gone missing, though. The actor actually penned a letter to Dallas Police Department Chief David Brown thanking him for his leadership during the police shooting in Dallas that year.
Neither Here Nor There
Cha-Ching
The actor has appeared in over 50 films and television shows over his career. Despite this, he only has a net worth of $25 million. That may seem like a lot of money to us average people, but it pales in comparison to the sums paid to other celebrities of his caliber.
Cha-Ching
Baywatch
Did you know he was rumored to be Mitch Buchannon from Baywatch? Yes, the actor might have played the lead in the hit series from the 1990s! So, why did he decline? It was because Tom Selleck did not want to be a sex symbol, oddly enough. This is why David Hasselhoff was cast in the role instead of Tom Selleck.
Baywatch
Dr. Richard Burke
Friends is a popular television show, and his portrayal of Dr. Richard Burke on the show surely helped. For a while, he played the ophthalmologist who Monica Geller dated. He was even nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series!
Dr. Richard Burke
Visiting Rachael Ray
Tom Selleck told a funny anecdote about an odd fan in an interview with famous chef Rachael Ray. The woman behind the desk couldn’t figure out where she knew him from while he was at the eye doctor (ironic for Friends fans). Selleck finally got the nail on the head when he said she would recognize him as Dr. Burke from Friends after he mentioned other TV series.
Visiting Rachael Ray
David Letterman
When David Letterman first met Selleck in 1993 for an interview, the topic quickly went to his lack of success in Japan. Apart from expressing his loneliness during his four months in Japan, he also stated that no one recognized him.
David Letterman
Frank Reagan
He most recently starred on the small screen in Blue Bloods as police commissioner Frank Reagan. Here’s a fun fact: every time he leaves the set, he is frequently saluted by actual officers. Officers are supposed to respect all police commissioners, therefore it’s a credit to his incredible acting abilities that he’s mistaken for one. Props!
Frank Reagan
Dad Jokes
Since we’re talking about Frank Reagan, Donnie Wahlberg, a fellow actor, 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 delighted he’s happy in his marriage, but he used to be quite the heartbreaker when he was single. Marie Helvin’s memoir claims that she and the actor were having a heated 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
He dated Mimi Rogers after the encounter. She would marry Tom Cruise in the end, but not before dating Selleck first. For a year, the two were in a tumultuous relationship.
Tom And Mimi
Grilled By Rosie
To promote the 1999 picture The Love Letter, Selleck would go on Rosie O’Donnell’s show. At least, that’s what he thought! O’Donnell would question him about his gun-control beliefs. He, on the other hand, didn’t have any of it. He merely stated, “It’s your show, and you can talk about it after I leave.”
Grilled By Rosie
Killers
In 2010, Selleck played alongside Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl in the film Killers. Kutcher had already decided on the type of actor he wanted to play Mr. Kornfeldt. He shared, “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 requires a break from time to time. When Selleck couldn’t find time for his wife and daughter while working on Magnum, he discovered the same thing. It was admirable of him to put his family ahead of his work. It’s admirable how much he cares for his family. Not everyone is willing to participate in the same way!
A Break
Hard Times
Selleck spills the beans on his secret to a happy 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
He expressed his desire to leave Magnum P.I. in a recent interview with Closer Weekly, “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
However, there was actually a much deeper reason aside from what he has said. “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 knows what his priorities are and works hard to achieve them.
Not The Only Reason
Words of Wisdom
Selleck may have been divorced previously, but his second marriage is unquestionably permanent. She is the love of his life. The pair have been together for 30 years and is still going strong. How do they manage to do it? According to Selleck, “It’s important to nurture your marriage. I think wanting time away from work has been good for that.”
Words Of Wisdom
I Do
The couple married under the radar in 1987, surprising both the general public and the media. The wedding in a Lake Tahoe chapel was planned by Tom’s brother Bob. On the register, however, they didn’t use their real names! “Tom Jenkins” and “Suzie Mark” were the couple’s aliases. Until the ceremony, even the minister was unaware of their identities!
I Do
Nervous
The wedding officiant shared this about the wedding: “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
Tom Selleck adores his daughter Hannah as a parent. Her parents wanted her to have a normal childhood, therefore they tried to keep their personal lives hidden from the public eye. She now works as an equestrienne! Hannah performs some modeling for her sponsors and friends on the side.
My Daughter Hannah
Encouragement
Hannah was not raised to be a socialite by her parents. She spent the majority of her life on the family’s farm. There, she was able to learn about the importance of hard work. It was also there that she learned to appreciate horses. “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
Starting a family on their 65-acre farm seemed like the natural decision. Jillie shared, “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 had a passion for horses, so it’s no surprise that she became an equestrian. Her life would be completely different if she didn’t pursue her passion. “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