Thomas William Selleck (born on 29th January, 1945) is an accomplished American actor and film producer with a successful career spanning several decades. He is known professionally as Tom Selleck.
He is best known for portraying Thomas Magnum in the television series Magnum, P.I., which aired from 1980 to 1988. His role as the charismatic private investigator in Hawaii earned him widespread recognition and a loyal fan base.
Tom Selleck is often recognized for his distinctive mustache, which has become an iconic part of his appearance.
Early Life
Tom Selleck was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, United States as the son of Martha Selleck, a housewife, and Robert Dean Selleck, a real estate investor and executive. His upbringing was influenced by his father’s work, which often required the family to move, leading them to reside in various locations, including Sherman Oaks, California, and later Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, along with his siblings, Daniel Selleck, Robert Selleck, and Martha Selleck.
During his formative years, he attended Grant High School in Van Nuys, California, excelling academically, and found a passion for sports, particularly basketball. He captained the school’s basketball team during his senior year. While he exhibited talent in athletics, Tom also began developing an interest in acting, actively participating in school plays and immersing himself in theater productions.
Upon graduating from high school in 1962, Selleck embarked on his higher education journey at Los Angeles Valley College. However, his aspirations eventually led him to transfer to the University of Southern California (USC), where he pursued a major in business administration. During his time at USC, Selleck became a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and continued to nurture his love for basketball by playing for the university’s team. Yet, his growing passion for acting prompted him to redirect his focus toward pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.
In pursuit of his acting aspirations, Tom Selleck enrolled in acting classes at the prestigious Beverly Hills Playhouse under the guidance of renowned acting coach Milton Katselas. Concurrently, he ventured into modeling to support himself financially while endeavoring to establish a foothold in the competitive acting world.
Career
Tom Selleck’s career spans several decades and encompasses a wide range of roles in both tv and film. After nurturing his acting skills and gaining some modeling experience, He made his television debut in the late 1960s, appearing in minor roles in shows such as Lancer, The Dating Game, and The Movie Game.
However, his breakout role as Thomas Magnum in the television series Magnum, P.I. catapulted Selleck to stardom. The series, which aired from 1980 to 1988, followed the adventures of Thomas Magnum, a private investigator in Hawaii. Selleck’s charismatic portrayal of the character garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base, earning him a Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in Drama Series in 1984.
While starring in Magnum, P.I., Selleck also ventured into film, appearing in notable movies such as High Road to China and Lassiter. Following Magnum P.I.’s conclusion, Selleck continued establishing himself as a leading actor in film and television.
In the 1990s, Selleck took on the role of Dr. Richard Burke, a love interest of Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), in the hit sitcom Friends. His appearances on the show garnered widespread popularity and introduced him to a new generation of viewers.
Throughout his career, Selleck has portrayed various characters in films such as Three Men and a Baby and its sequel Three Men and a Little Lady, Quigley Down Under, Mr. Baseball, In & Out, and Crossfire Trail. He starred also in the crime drama series Blue Bloods, which premiered in 2010 and continues to air, in which he playing Frank Reagan, the New York City Police Commissioner.
In addition to his acting work, Selleck has produced several projects, including the television movies Monte Walsh and Jesse Stone: Stone Cold.
In 2012, Tom Selleck took center stage in Coldwell Banker’s television ad campaign, which focused on homeownership. This collaboration highlighted Selleck’s affiliation with the company and emphasized his genuine belief in the importance and value of owning a home.
Following the passing of their previous spokesperson, Fred Thompson, American Advisors Group (AAG), the leading reverse-mortgage lender, made a significant announcement on August 1, 2016. They revealed that Tom Selleck would assume the role of their new national spokesperson. This appointment positioned Selleck as the face of AAG in their television commercial campaign, reaching a broad audience through prominent cable and national networks such as ABC, NBC, and CBS.
Selleck further expanded his career by recurring in the ABC drama series Boston Legal. Portraying the character of Ivan Tiggs, the troubled ex-husband of Shirley Schmidt, played by Candice Bergen, Selleck’s performances added depth and complexity to the show’s storyline. His portrayal received praise from both viewers and critics, contributing to the overall success of the series.
In 2021, Selleck ventured into the music industry with the release of his debut album. He collaborated with Nicolas King and showcased his vocal talents on the song “Yessir, That’s My Baby.” The album, titled “Act One,” released by Club44 Records, featured a live recording from 2001, capturing their performances during the run of “A Thousand Clowns.” This musical endeavor gave audiences yet another glimpse of Selleck’s artistic abilities and demonstrated his versatility as a performer.
Filmography
Television Series
- Magnum, P.I.
- Friends
- Las Vegas
- Blue Bloods
- Boston Legal
Films
- Three Men and a Baby
- Quigley Down Under
- Mr. Baseball
- In & Out
- Crossfire Trail
- Jesse Stone film series
Voice Roles
- The Magic of the Golden Bear: Goldy III
- Meet the Robinsons
- The Snow Buddies
- Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise
Personal Life
Tom Selleck has been married to Jillie Mack for over three decades, and their enduring relationship began in 1984 during the production of the musical Cats.
The couple’s wedding took place at the Cherrywood Waterfall Chapel in Nevada, marking the start of their lifelong commitment to each other. They have a daughter named Hannah Margaret, born on December 16, 1988. In addition to their biological child, Tom Selleck and Jillie Mack welcomed Kevin into their family. Kevin is Tom’s adopted son from his previous marriage and holds a special place in their lives.
Throughout their long-lasting union, Tom Selleck and Jillie Mack have shared the joys and challenges of parenthood, nurturing a loving family bond that has spanned many years.
Social Media
- Instagram @tomselleckofficial
Net Worth
Tom Selleck has an estimated net worth which is approximately US$45 million.