Tom Selleck is an American actor best known for his starring role as private investigator Thomas Magnum in the 1980s television series Magnum, P.I. Born in Detroit in 1945, Selleck has had a prolific career in film and television spanning over five decades.
Thomas William Selleck was born on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, to Martha and Robert Dean Selleck.12 His family moved to Sherman Oaks, California, in 1948.12 Selleck attended Grant High School and later enrolled at Los Angeles Valley College.12 He transferred to the University of Southern California on a basketball scholarship, where he also played baseball.12 Initially majoring in Business Administration, Selleck switched to acting on the advice of a drama coach and studied at the Beverly Hills Playhouse under Milton Katselas.12
Tom Selleck served in the California Army National Guard from 1967 to 1973 during the Vietnam War era.1234 He joined the 160th Infantry Regiment and rose to the rank of Sergeant.14 Selleck was issued draft orders during the Vietnam War, but decided to join the National Guard to have some control over his situation.13 During his service, he appeared on California National Guard recruiting posters.13 Selleck has expressed pride in his military service, stating "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."123 He has been a strong supporter of the U.S. military throughout his career, volunteering for public service announcements promoting National Guard recruitment and retention, as well as serving as a spokesperson for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.12
Selleck's breakout role came in 1980 when he was cast as Thomas Magnum in the television series Magnum, P.I.123 The show ran for eight successful seasons until 1988 and earned Selleck an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1984.12 His portrayal of the charming and mustachioed private investigator made him a household name and cultural icon.123
After Magnum, P.I., Selleck starred in several popular films like Three Men and a Baby (1987), its sequel Three Men and a Little Lady (1990), and the comedy Mr. Baseball (1992).4 He received praise for his performances in made-for-TV movies like the Jesse Stone series based on Robert B. Parker's novels.45 Selleck has enjoyed a prolific acting career spanning over five decades in both television and film.12345
As Blue Bloods nears its conclusion after 14 seasons, Tom Selleck has voiced concerns about potentially losing his 63-acre ranch in Ventura County, California if he stops working.1234 "Hopefully I keep working enough to hold onto the place," Selleck shared in an interview.13 "If I stopped working, yeah, the ranch would be an issue. Am I set for life? Yeah, but maybe not on a 63-acre ranch!"14
Despite the financial implications, Selleck remains optimistic about continuing his acting career. "As an actor, you never lose that sense that every time I finish a job, it's my last job," he stated.13 "I like the fact that there's no excuses! You just go to work and you do the work. And I have a lot of reverence for what I call 'the work,' and I love it. And I'd like to keep doing it."13
Selleck has expressed hope that CBS will reconsider ending Blue Bloods, citing its strong ratings and the cast's willingness to return.245 However, the network has confirmed the show's cancellation, leaving Selleck to explore new opportunities to sustain his beloved ranch and continue his passion for acting.245
