Hollywood is often seen as the land where dreams are made, but reaching its glittering heights—and staying there—is something only a few truly gifted and fortunate individuals manage to do.
Tom Selleck’s Impressive Career
Among those who have truly made their mark is Tom Selleck, a television icon for many years. His breakthrough role came as Thomas Magnum in the popular series Magnum, P.I. This role brought him five Emmy Award nominations and a win in 1985, cementing his place in Hollywood history.
Before achieving fame, Tom had some small parts in movies and TV shows. He also appeared in several commercials and even took part in The Dating Game twice, though he humorously recalls losing both times as rather embarrassing. Selleck was once part of 20th Century Fox’s talent program but then took a break for military service. Although he was dropped when he returned, he remained undeterred.
In an interview with AARP, Tom reflected, “The luckiest thing that happened was that I didn’t get a real job until I was 35. When I was 25, I looked 35 but sounded 15. There are a lot of very good actors who make it as younger leading men but don’t graduate because the audience won’t accept them as grown up.”
Tom nearly gave up acting before Magnum P.I. came along. In an interview with Closer Weekly, he admitted, “I think if Magnum hadn’t worked out, I’d never have worked again in this business.”
Selleck’s Role in Blue Bloods
Since 2010, Selleck has been a co-star on the TV series Blue Bloods, where he plays Frank Reagan, the tough but fair commissioner of the New York City Police Department. The show remains immensely popular, recently being renewed for its 13th season.
Throughout his lengthy career, Selleck has performed most of his own stunts, which has caught up to him physically. “My back’s kind of messed up,” he has admitted.
Despite the injuries, Tom remains philosophical about his choices. “When you do stunts in movies—which I do a lot of—you take a risk, but you also spend a lot of time sitting. You might finish a fight scene and then sit in your chair, and there’s no personal trainer telling you, ‘Tom needs ten minutes of stretching and warm-up.’”
He acknowledged, “I see it with colleagues; I talk to them occasionally. You just see the cost of all those stunts. They weren’t that difficult, but I guess it’s the stop-and-go of everything.”
Living on His Ranch in California
To stay fit, Tom Selleck enjoys working on his California ranch in Ventura, a place that also serves as a sanctuary for him and his love of horses—a passion he has passed down to his daughter.
He’s been married to Jillie Mack for an incredible 35 years, a testament to their strong commitment to family. In 2012, he told People magazine, “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, and this ranch has helped me do that,” Tom explained. His wife added, “We both thought it was the best environment for Hannah to grow up.”
We can only wish Tom Selleck continued good health and happiness as he balances Hollywood fame with family life.