Blue Bloods Up In The Air
Selleck is most recently known for his role as Police Commissioner Frank Reagan for nine seasons of Blue Bloods, but the fate of a tenth season is still unclear. However, fans are hopeful as Selleck has stated that he is confident that it will happen. He seems like a trustworthy guy, right??
Not The NBA
While attending USC, Tom played on basketball team. However, he was not destined for the NBA. After a drama coach told him to try acting, he ended up at Beverly Hills Playhouse, where he enrolled in Milton Katselas’ acting classes. Little did he know, this decision would help him greatly later in his life.
Vote For Brown
Tom did not choose to support Hilary Clinton nor Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential election. Instead, he chose to write in a candidate, former Dallas Police Department Chief David Brown. Selleck said he did this due to the fact that he respected how Brown handled the Dallas police shooting in 2016.
Tom Steps Away From NRA
Selleck became the spokesman for the NRA in 2003, after Charlton Heston stepped down from the role. However, in September 2018, he stepped down from the position. Some speculated this was due to increased gun violence in the US, but his publicist said it was due to his work schedule. Selleck does remain a member of the NRA, as he has been since he was 8 years old.
A Coffee With Ms. Loren
It’s no secret that Selleck was considered a major heartthrob in his day. This must have caused his wife Jillie some stress from worrying about other women eyeing her man. To make matters worse, the stunning Sophia Loren moved in as their neighbor! On this matter, Tom clarified the only way he’d be able to spend time with her: “If I was on my way to Home Depot and she was out on the driveway in her bathrobe and she said exactly these words: ‘Thomaso, would you like a cappuccino?”
The Opportunity
With multiple minor TV roles under his belt, it didn’t take long for Selleck to attract an agency. Eventually Twentieth Century Fox wanted to sign him. Fox didn’t want him to sign with anyone else so they put their best deal forward.
Soap Opera Kid
Seldom do we see of a character and the actor’s real life mimic one another. Selleck was caught in a few love triangles just like his character Jed Andrews from The Young and the Restless. It’s hard to imagine that when Tom Selleck is known as one of the nicest Hollywood stars.
His Big Break On Hold?
Landing the role of Thomas Magnum on Magnum P.I. was a huge break for Selleck, especially at age 35. He was in for a bigger shock after the writers went on strike, delaying shooting for six months. He had just relocated to Hawaii, leaving him no choice but to take up a job as a handyman, earning $7 an hour.
Some Advice
On James Garner, Selleck said, “I was a fan, and then I got to work with him on The Rockford Files. He gave me the pivotal advice of my career… I said, ‘I had an old contract at Universal, it’s over, and they’ve assigned me this show called Magnum, and I hate it….And [Garner] said, ‘Well, I’m not gonna give you any advice, except this: You don’t have any power. You’ve never done a show… if they want you, and they do, you’ll never have any more power than you do right now. And that’s all I’m gonna say.'” Garner had no idea just how much that would influence Selleck in the end!
But Did It Work?
After his call with James Garner, Selleck revealed, “Well, I called my agent, and we told Universal, ‘I ain’t doing that show.’ And they said, ‘Who in the hell do you think you are? You’ve never been on the air, and you’ll never work again.’ I said, ‘Well, OK.’ And then they brought in [producer] Don Bellisario, who put a whole new show [together], much more Rockford-esque, and it changed my life!”
Finally Magnum P.I.
As the main lead, Tom appeared in all 163 episodes of Magnum P.I.. Fans can’t forget his signature mustache, Colt Model 1911A1 .45 ACP Caliber pistol, red Ferrari, and the Detroit Tigers cap – all that defined his character.
They See Me Rollin’
Originally, Thomas Magnum was to drive a Porsche rather than a red Ferrari. Well, Tom Selleck’s tall frame made it impossible for him to cruise around the German sports car. We think it all worked out in the end.
Nothing But Respect
While shooting the show in Hawaii, Tom portrayed the best work ethic as documented by Larry Manetti, his co-star from Magnum P.I., in his 1996 memoir Aloha Magnum. He noted Tom’s philanthropic spirit and dedication to the cast was something rare among celebrities.
Star!
Don’t be surprised to learn that Tom Selleck has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. That honor was awarded to him in 1986. Seems like ‘Magnum’ really did wonders for his career. And if you really want to go check it out then you need to visit 6925 Hollywood Blvd!
One, Two
Naturally we can’t imagine anyone ~but~ Tom Selleck playing the lead in Magnum, P.I. however he was not the producers’ first choice! I know, surprising! Kevin Dobson was originally offered the part but he turned it down.
A Miss
When Tom joined Magnum, P.I., he signed to work exclusively on the show. That’s why he had to turn down the offer to portray Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark, a movie that could have made him soar even higher in Hollywood. But considering that six month delay we mentioned previously, he actually could have taken the project on. While we can’t imagine anyone but Harrison Ford as Indy, who knows what the franchise would have been like as Selleck in the lead role.
Swing And A Miss
Selleck was also asked to star opposite Julie Andrews in the 1982 film Victor/Victoria. However he was apprehensive to play the part and when he decided that he did want it, it was too late. Selleck was locked in with Magnum and couldn’t take on any other roles.
A Difference
During a televised interview broadcast in 1987, just before Laguna Heat aired, Selleck revealed something surprising about his career! He said, “I was planning to go into Architecture. But when I arrived [to sign up for courses], ‘Architecture’ was filled up. ‘Acting’ was right next to it. So I signed up for Acting instead.” What a difference that made!
Part of the Creative Team
The Magnum P.I. character was created to compete with the character of James Bond – seductive, intelligent, marksman, and master of several other skills and craft. Tom Selleck, however, convinced the producers to make the character more humble and friendly. A decision that obviously went down well with fans of the show.
First Wife
Selleck married the former model, Jacqueline Ray. The union that lasted for 11 years, but eventually ended in divorce. He has, however, never broken his relationship with his adopted stepson, Kevin.
A Superstar of Its Own
A story about Tom Selleck is never complete without mentioning his signature mustache. It’s a trademark of his, and he undoubtedly adores it. There have only been a handful of times in his life that he’s shaved the mustache off. More often than not, people don’t recognize him immediately without it and that’s understandable.
Agree to Disagree
You’d think that a celebrity as huge as Tom Selleck wouldn’t be mistaken for another actor, but that’s where you’re wrong. “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.” I mean there are worse celebrites he could have been mistaken for.
Ay Baby
Just a year before ‘Magnum’ finally went off air, Selleck starred in Three Men and a Baby, alongside Steve Guttenberg and Ted Danson. While Selleck was already a huge name in Hollywood, this movie made him even bigger. In fact, the comedy was the biggest motion picture box office film of the year, with more than $170 million grossed in America.
Love Story
Tom met his wife Jillie Mack just before the closing of the Magnum P.I. season finale. They are currently living on their avocado farm (which we’ll get to shortly) in California with their daughter Hannah.
Small Role
It’s interesting to know that his wife Jillie, as well as his parents, played minor roles in Magnum P.I.! Jillie appeared in the “Rembrandt’s Girl” episode in season 4.
The Right
Tom Selleck is a known republican who supported John McCain in the 2008 presidential bid. A National Rifle Association (NRA) member, the Magnum P.I. star has been quoted as to referring to himself as a registered independent with a lot of libertarian leanings.
Neither Here Nor There
Despite being heavily involved with politics, when the 2016 Presidential election was occurring, Selleck did not support Hillary Clinton nor Donald Trump. Instead he wrote a letter to the former Dallas Police Department Chief David Brown, in it he expressed how deeply touched he was by Brown’s grace and leadership during the 2016 Dallas police shooting.
Speak Up
In fact, when it comes to his political opinions, Selleck is more than happy to speak his mind, regardless of the consequences. “I don’t know if my political opinions ever lost me work, but I know for sure they never got me any.”
Mom and Pop
We’ve already mentioned that Selleck was deeply influenced by his parents. From his kindness to his dedication to his family to his career mindset and so on, Selleck’s parents taught him a lot about the man he wants to be. “I could go into analysis for 20 years and not blame them for anything,” he said.
Cha-Ching
Tom Selleck’s current net worth stands at $25 million. This is after gracing the acting stage for 49 years and appearing in over 50 TV shows and films. You’d think in today’s day and age that his net worth would be much higher but alas, it isn’t. Still that hasn’t stopped him from splurging.
Baywatch
Can you imagine Tom Selleck as Mitch Buchannon in Baywatch? Well, he would have played the character had he not turned down the offer. He perceived the role as that of a sex symbol, something he never wanted to turn to.
Monte Walsh
In 2003, Tom Selleck starred in the western movie Monte Walsh and he really wanted fans to like the film. “I just really want people to see this movie and I hope they like it, because to me Monte Walsh probably reflects my sensibilities more than any other I’ve done in the Western genre,” he said. “I’m really proud of it and I think it may be the best role I’ve ever had.”
Dr. Richard Burke
In the show Friends, Tom played Dr. Richard Burke, a divorced ophthalmologist and Monica’s boyfriend. Oh, and most fans rank Burke as their first choice or second when it comes to their favorite of Monica’s boyfriends. This character led to his nomination as Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in the Primetime Emmy Award.
Frank Reagan
In Blue Bloods, Tom plays the role of Police Commissioner Frank Reagan, a character that attracts the respect from NYPD officers even off screen. How do we mean? Whenever he wears his Police Commissioner uniform in the real world, real NYPD officers salute him. Why would they do that? Because that’s what they’re supposed to do in the presence of the Police Commissioner. Talk about respect.
Dad Jokes
Blue Bloods co-star Donnie Whalberg spoke about Selleck’s humor, off-screen. ” 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.”
An Affair To Remember
One of the few affairs that Selleck had is with the actress Marie Helvin. The two met in Hawaii and continued their relationship when they moved to London. She was, however, quick to end it as it was taking toll on her marriage. Although if wasn’t long after Marie called off their affair that he met his future wife to be.
Tom and Mimi
Another affair he had was with Mimi Rogers, a divorcee at the time. This was before Mimi married the legendary actor Tom Cruise. The media circus that followed Selleck and Rogers was intense and that’s just because of Selleck’s “Playboy” status.
Grilled By Rosie
Tom appeared on Rosie O’Donnell’s show while promoting his 1999 film The Love Letter. Selleck of course believed he was there to promote the film however O’Donnell kept pestering him with questions on gun ownership. “It’s your show, and you can talk about it after I leave,” he had told the host.
Killers
2010 is when Selleck starred alongside Katherine Heigl and Ashton Kutcher in the film Killers. Kutcher also produced the film and while casting for the part of Mr. Kornfeldt, he wanted someone intimidating to take on the role. “I call Mr. Kornfeldt ‘Sir’ in the script a lot,” he explained. “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?” Obviously Tom Selleck was the answer.
A Break
Finding balance between work and home is challenging. For Tom, he found it hard to film Magnum P.I around the same time his daughter was born. He badly needed a break. There aren’t many actors who would say the same thing however for Tom, he knew that his personal life was just as important if not more so. That’s partly why the show stopped because the lead actor wanted out.
Hard Times
In fact, during an interview, Selleck said, “I’ve found it very difficult to expose my private life and live with it,” he said. “It’s important to nurture your marriage. I think wanting time away from work has been good for that.” Spoken like a very good man and husband.
Overworked
Being in 163 episodes with just a few more to go in Magnum P.I caused Tom to contemplate leaving the show, which he eventually did. Compared to his character in Blue Bloods, he appears in fewer episodes therefore he is not required to be on set all of the time. And that’s exactly how he likes it.
Not The Only Reason
However that wasn’t the actor’s only reason to quit Magnum P.I.. “I quit Magnum to have a family,” Selleck revealed. “It took a long time to get off the train, but I try very hard to have balance.” He made big sacrifices for his family and never looked back.
Words of Wisdom
Tom and Jillie have been married for 30 years now, a success that he credits to taking time off work to nurture the relationship. “It’s important to nurture your marriage..I think wanting time away from work has been good for that.” That’s good advice for any relationship.
I Do
Tom and Jillie were actually married secretly in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. In fact, they did not use their real names during the ceremony. Tom went by the name Tom Jenkins while Jillie went by Suzie Mark. Just minutes before the ceremony started did the minister even realize who he was marrying!
Nervous
“They were both nervous, like any other couple about to get married,” revealed the wedding officiant Rev. David Immel “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.” Aww, that sounds so beautiful.
My Daughter, Hannah
Tom makes it no secret that he adores his daughter, Hannah. Growing up, both Tom and Jillie agreed to raise Hannah away from the spotlight. She spent a lot of her time on the farm, around horses which explains why she’s an equestrian now. However Hannah does also do a bit of modeling but either for friends or sponsors.
Encouragement
Despite having a public life, Tom has managed to raise his daughter away from the limelight, something Hannah adores about her parents. Growing up near horses instilled in her the sense of hard work and independence. “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.”
Our Decision
The Sellecks chose to raise their family on a 65-acre ranch because to them, that was the right thing to do. Jillie Mack explained, “We both thought it was the best environment for [Hannah] to grow up.” Seeing the women Hannah has grown into, they made the right choice!
Farm Life
Hannah’s journey with horses has been exciting for her. She has even started a breeding program in California, a venture her father gladly invested in. “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. 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.”
How Far?
Tom is known to have gone the extreme to keep his 60 acre avocado farm going. There were allegations that he took water from a hydrant in a nearby district after the area was hit by a severe drought. The water that valued about $1.4 million landed him on the wrong side with the authorities. But was the star actually guilty?
On The Other Side
Tom was later sued by the Calleguas Municipal Water Districts in 2015. A private investigator on the issue said that he had sent the truck 12 times to get water from the said district over a two year period. Moreover Selleck had previously been issued a cease and desist order but he ignored it.
Settlement
Tom eventually paid $21,000 as a settlement for the alleged misconduct. He has never openly admitted that he did what he was accused of. However the evidence all seems to point to the obvious. The agency is said to have paid $22,000 to the private investigator so his settlement fee just about covers that.
Stepson Woes
Tom has done his best to keep a close relationship with his stepson, Kevin, from his first marriage. However Kevin faced a lot of problems as a teenager which followed him into adulthood. This and his financial problems and failed music career really hardened his mood and therefore hurt his relationship with Selleck.
Coffee Time
When Selleck married Jille, he was much more self-conscious about how he socialized with other women. However that was slightly challenging as the Italian bombshell Sophia Loren became their new neighbor, Jillie was understandably nervous. “If I was on my way to Home Depot and she was out on the driveway in her bathrobe and she said exactly these words: ‘Thomaso, would you like a cappuccino?’ I could go in,” he said. Selleck had long left his Playboy ways behind when he met Jillie.
Ethics
While Selleck has had some intense scandals follow him, he does follow a strong ethical code. “I try very hard to conduct myself in an ethical way, because that’s important to my stability now,” he said. “We’re a culture that’s so centered on the individual. The culture says that basically nothing is more important than the way you feel.”
The Youth
Selleck is very much invested in helping the youth of today. Why? That has a lot to do with how he looks at today’s generation. The actor founded a youth program known as Character Counts! This nonprofit organization helps to promote positive living and a strong worth ethic. “We’re living in an age that celebrates unchecked impulses,” he said. “I work with exceptional kids, gang kids, deprived kids, enriched kids and they all have an astounding sense of entitlement. They don’t celebrate earning the privilege of driving at 16. They expect a car. There’s a big difference.”
Raspberry Kiss
In 1993 Selleck was a guest-star on The Chevy Chase Show. As a skit, the show wanted to mention Selleck’s recent award for the Worst Supporting Actor Razzie award for his role as King Ferdinand of Spain in Christopher Columbus: The Discovery. When presented with the Razzie on air, Selleck joked through it all and asked the audience to “blow me a raspberry.”
Heart of Gold
During the final season of Magnum, P.I., Universal Studios gave Selleck a nice bonus, to the rune of $350,000. Now while he did spend the money on Rolex watches and a new Porsche, he did something even more amazing. He gave the entire Magnum, P.I. cast and crew $1,000 bonuses. What a stand up guy!
Spike!
You’re looking at an accomplished indoor and beach volleyball player, ladies and gents! Selleck plays as the outside hitter for the Outrigger Canoe Club in Honolulu. In 2011, a teammate of his said to Volleyball USA magazine that, “Tom was a great teammate, appreciative of being included with such a talented and experienced group, practicing and playing hard when his Magnum schedule permitted…. He was very patient with all of us, and we relished the big crowds that replaced the usual sparse number of players’ friends and spouses at the national tourney matches.”
Say It Ain’t So
Fans of Tom Selleck just can’t imagine him without a bread! I mean he has been sporting the look for years. However in 1997, he shaved off that trademark mustache! While it was for a film movie, it still left fans shook. He only shaves the mustache for a role.
Broadway
In 2001, Selleck played the lead of Murray in the Broadway revival of A Thousand Clowns, Herb Gardner’s comedic play. Critics were totally negative when it came to his performance, many believed the original actor from the 60’s was far better, Jason Robards, Jr. However Gardner, the playwright, stepped up and said he actually prefers Selleck’s portrayal over Robards, stating that “Selleck was the way he had always envisioned Murray.”
Changes
Jesse Stone is a a transplanted lawman that Selleck has been portraying since 2005 in a series of made-for-TV movies, which are based on Robert B. Parker’s novels. Currently there are nine films and Selleck recently began to produce episodes. In fact film five, Jesse Stone: Thin Ice, was not an adaptation of the novels but rather an original story that Selleck created.
Commercials
Over the years, Tom Selleck has been the face of many brands and has appeared in numerous commercials as a result. Some of the companies he has worked with include Right Guard, AT&T, Florida’s Natural orange juice, and American Advisors Group (AAG).
Outdoorsman
You’re probabyly not shocked to learn that the 73 year old actor is also an avid outdoorsman, marksman, and firearms collector. Naturally all of that meant that he really wanted to star in Western films. And so he did! The Sacketts, The Shadow Riders, Quigley Down Under, and Crossfire Trail are just a few.
Good Reason
In an 1980 interview, Selleck was asked why he had refused to do a cameo in the film adaptation of Magnum P.I.. His response was simple, “I tell you what worries me — because I love ‘Magnum’ and we have loyal fans — is they take these TV show titles, and they buy them and they spend $100 million on special effects, and then they make fun of them and trivialize it. Then they try and get the actor who used to be in it to do some ridiculous cameo to prove to the audience that it’s OK. And I will not do that.”
Honor
Guys, there really is an International Mustache Hall of Fame and in 2015, Tom Selleck was inducted to the prestigious club! He made the inaugural class in the category of Film and Television.
I’ll Be Back
That’s right, not only did Selleck miss out on the brilliant role of Indiana Jones but he also wound up missing on the title role in The Terminator back in 1984. All of this was once again because of his commitment to Magnum, P.I..
Awards, Awards
While working on Magnum, P.I., Tom Selleck earned an Emmy and a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama Series. That’s not all though. He went on to win four People’s Choice Awards, four Emmy nominations, and six Golden Globe nominations.
Voice Over
Tom Selleck doesn’t just act, he also provides his voice in narrative works. He worked extensively with the series North America, a natural history documentary.
Helping Hand
You’re looking at an avid philanthropist. Trust us, you have no idea just how many committees he works with! For example, he is a board member of The Joseph & Edna Josephson Institute of Ethics; an advisory board member for Character Counts Coalition; a spokesman for the National Fatherhood Initiative; a committee member of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; and is actively involved with the Student/Sponsor Partnership Program in New York City. However this list could be so much longer because he does even more charity work then we’ve listed here!
Female Sequel Series
When Eva Longoria stepped in as the executive producer the spin-off with an all-female cast of Magnum, P.I. really took off. The spin-off will follow Lily, Magnum’s daughter, who comes to Hawaii in order to take over her father’s firm.
A Spin
The Ferrari 308 that Selleck drove on Magnum PI was recently on sale at an Arizona auction. The asking price? A cool $250,000. Plus it came with a certificate of authentication to prove that Tom Selleck really did drive it! In the end it sold for $181,500.
Classy
If you head to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, you’ll find something familiar in one of their display cases. Magnum’s iconic Hawaiian shirt of course! Selleck donated it to the museum.
Friends
Dr. Richard Burke, his role on the series Friends ranks quite highly as the greatest guest character on the show. We’re not surprised to learn that he comes in third!
Las Vegas
In 2007, this actor joined the lineup for the television drama Las Vegas. He portrays A.J. Cooper, the new owner of the Montecito Casino. In fact this was his first regular role on a drama series since his ‘Magnum’ days.
The First
We find this fact hard to believe but then again, it makes sense. On August 11, 1997, Tom Selleck was a celebrity guest on The View. And yes, that sounds totally normal. However he was actually the show’s FIRST celebrity guest!
My Sign
Selleck shares a January birthday, meaning he is an Aquarius. Therefore he has some interesting and admirable qualities, such as truthfulness, curious, affectionate, frank, and imaginative. Makes sense.
Character
Thanks to Selleck’s amazing and outstanding character and ethic, he earned an honorary doctorate degree from Pepperdine University back in 2000. I wonder where he hangs up that degree?
Tigers
Ever since his childhood, Selleck has been a HUGE supporter of the Detroit Tigers. Actually, huge is an understatement. Once, the actor was a minority owner of the team.
Memorial Fund
In February 2009, Tom Selleck joined the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund as the national spokesman. Specifically for the new Education Center which was being built on the National Mall.
I Like It
In a 2002 interview, Selleck stated that he likes that his character on Blue Bloods, along with the Reagan family, are visibly practicing Catholics, although he himself is not very religious.
Cats
After Selleck’s divorce, he was naturally quite lonely. While filming in London, his crew-mates took him to ‘Cats’ because they knew he wanted to watch it at sometime. What’s interesting is that he went back over a dozen times! But why?
The Star
Well it turns out that he was quite smitten with Rumpleteazer. Oh, that role was played by 25-year-old Jillie Joan Mack! Selleck introduced himself and they made plans to meet for dinner. As her contract with ‘Cats’ was up, she had plenty of time to see Selleck. So that’s exactly what they did!
Bold Move
After enough time, Mack knew she didn’t have ties to London so she packed her bags and moved to Hawaii! Together, they graced many red carpets together and the pair seemed so in love. Mack was of course present when he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Stronger Together
For over 30 years now, these two have been husband and wife. During an interview with NY Daily News, Selleck revealed how happy the duo are. “Jillie and I have a pretty good partnership. We don’t do anything or make any decisions without consulting each other,” he said. “And if one of us makes a decision involving Hannah, the other parent completely supports that position, even if you disagree.”
Lots Of Love
Selleck has been living life under the radar as much as possible. However if he really wanted to, he could make a huge “comeback” in Hollywood. However, that’s besides the point for the actor, he is solely focused on his family. With his vibrant (if you want to call it that) past lifestyle, he knows the value of family and isn’t about to mess that up.