Tom Selleck at 79: A Look Back at a Legendary Career
The star of "Blue Bloods" and "Magnum, P.I." reflects on his career and the simple joys of life.
As Tom Selleck approaches his 80th birthday, he’s not slowing down one bit. The star of “Blue Bloods” and “Magnum, P.I.” has just released his memoir, “You Never Know,” but he’s far from finished “laying bricks” in his impressive career.
Selleck’s 63-acre ranch, located about an hour west of Hollywood, serves as his sanctuary from the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown. Here, he tends to his land with the same care and dedication he’s shown throughout his acting career.
“It’s like a dream to me,” Selleck muses. “I kind of know every foot of it. And every day, I come out, check my wells, check everything out, see what’s growing. It’s a perfect antidote to all the madness.”
The ranch, once owned by Dean Martin, has been Selleck’s home since 1988. It’s here that he’s planted over 500 oak trees with his own hands, a testament to his hands-on approach to life.
As we tour the property on his ATV, Selleck points out a young oak tree with a slight discoloration. “This one’s a little sick, and I really care about it,” he says softly. “I planted that for my dad, and he pruned it.” It’s a touching moment that reveals the sentimental side of this Hollywood tough guy.
A Career Built Brick by Brick
Selleck’s journey to stardom wasn’t a straightforward path. He started with commercials and small TV roles, gradually building his career. “Keep laying bricks,” he often says, a mantra that’s served him well over the decades.
His big break came at 35 with “Magnum, P.I.,” a role that defined a generation and cemented his place in pop culture history. But even then, Selleck wasn’t content to coast on his looks or charm. He fought to give the character depth, insisting on including themes related to the Vietnam War despite network resistance.
“I didn’t do the book to set the record straight,” Selleck says of his memoir. “I didn’t do the book to settle scores. I didn’t at all want to make it a political book, and I didn’t want to talk about who I was dating.”
Instead, the book focuses on his early struggles and the lessons he learned along the way. It’s a refreshingly honest look at the ups and downs of a Hollywood career.
The Man Behind the Mustache
Of course, no discussion of Tom Selleck would be complete without mentioning his iconic mustache. Surprisingly, it wasn’t a calculated decision. “It wasn’t because Burt Reynolds had one,” Selleck chuckles, “though I think Burt thought it was.”
The mustache has become so synonymous with Selleck that it’s taken on a life of its own. He recalls with amusement the times he’s appeared on late-night shows, playing along with jokes about his famous facial hair.
As “Blue Bloods” comes to an end after 14 successful seasons, Selleck reflects on the changing landscape of television. He’s proud of the show’s longevity and the messages it’s been able to convey through its family-centered storylines.
Looking ahead, Selleck isn’t sure what’s next, but he’s not worried. He’s got his ranch, his trees, and a lifetime of experiences to draw from. “I have a lot of trees to watch,” he says contentedly.
As our time together draws to a close, it’s clear that Tom Selleck is much more than just a handsome face or a famous mustache. He’s a thoughtful, hardworking man who’s built a remarkable life and career, one brick at a time. And at 79, he’s still not done building.
