Tom Selleck has been capturing hearts on television and movie screens for decades. The 73-year-old actor and producer scored his first breakout part in the early ’80s, and with a starring role on another season of Blue Bloods coming up, it doesn’t look like he plans to slow down anytime soon. Here’s everything you need to know about Tom Selleck, from his childhood upbringing to how much he’s worth today.
How Old Is Tom Selleck?
Selleck was born on January 29, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan to Robert and Martha Selleck. His family moved to Los Angeles shortly after, where his father, a World War II B-29 mechanic, hoped to break into real estate to support them. In a 2015 interview with AARP The Magazine, Selleck praised how his hardworking parents raised him, and has continuously aligned their encouragement of risk-taking with his own success. “I don’t have any tragic stories of parental rejection. They taught me everything I know,” he said.
Where Did Tom Selleck Go to College?
Though Selleck is now one of television’s leading men, his acting career wasn’t always a given when he was growing up in California. In fact, his dream was to become a professional athlete. “I never did school plays. I had no interest,” he recalled. He attended the University of Southern California where he studied business and was in management training for United Airlines. He managed to earn a basketball scholarship as a senior in college, but despite his impressive height of six feet and four inches, he ultimately wasn’t good enough to go pro.
Luckily, the future star had a backup plan. During his last year of school, Selleck appeared on TV for the first time on The Dating Game in 1967 (and lost!). He continued his television streak with a few commercials advertising various products, like the one in the video above.
Did Tom Selleck Serve in the Military?
Following his TV and commercial appearances, Selleck was offered a spot in the 20th Century Fox New Talent Program in 1967 where he began to hone his acting skills. But after almost two years, his future career was put on hold when he left to serve six months of active duty in the California Army National Guard. Unfortunately, Selleck was dropped from the Fox classes when he returned home. Despite the setback, he wasn’t ready to give up.
What Movies and TV Shows Was Tom Selleck In?
Selleck starred in six different failed TV pilots before he had the breakthrough that would define the rest of his career. In 1980, he landed the role of Thomas Magnum on Magnum P.I., CBS’s crime show about a private investigator living in Hawaii.
The actor has earned more than 50 television and film parts since then. Most will remember him from Three Men and a Baby, Mr. Baseball, Quigley Down Under, and Lassiter. Fans of Friends may also recognize him for his recurring appearances as one of Monica’s early love interests, Dr. Richard Burke. Now, Selleck is best known for playing patriarch Frank Reagan on CBS’s popular police drama, Blue Bloods.
What Is Tom Selleck’s Net Worth?
A Hollywood career spanning nearly five decades means that Selleck has earned his fair share of hefty paychecks. According to CelebrityNetWorth.com, the famous actor and producer has an estimated net worth of $45 million. He also reportedly earns $150,000 per episode of Blue Bloods.
Who Is Tom Selleck’s Wife?
Despite his busy acting career, Selleck still found love with a model, Jacqueline Ray, who he married in 1971. They ultimately divorced in 1982 after almost 11 years of marriage.
Soon after the pair split, Selleck set his eyes on a new love interest. The 38-year-old divorcé was filming in London when he met Jillie Joan Mack, a dancer in the musical Cats. A simple dinner date quickly turned into something more. After Mack’s theatrical contract was up, she moved to Hawaii where Selleck was filming Magnum, P.I. In 1987, they shocked the world when they tied the knot in secret. What began as a whirlwind romance has lasted more than three decades, and the couple is still happily married today.
Does Tom Selleck Have Children?
Selleck and his first wife did not have any children together, but he did adopt her son, Kevin, who was born in 1966.
Selleck and Mack welcomed their first and only child, Hannah, now 29, a year after getting married. The actor stepped back from his career for a while to spend time with his family at their 65-acre ranch in Ventura County, California. “We both thought it was the best environment for [Hannah] to grow up,” Mack told People in 2012.
