Biography
Who is Tom Selleck?
Early life and real name
Tom Selleck was born Thomas William Selleck in Detroit, Michigan, on January 29, 1945. His parents were Martha Jagger, a housewife, and Robert Dean Selleck, who worked as a real estate developer. He grew up alongside his elder brother Robert, younger sister Martha, and younger brother Daniel. The family relocated to Los Angeles in 1948 and settled in the neighborhood of Sherman Oaks.
He attended Grant High School and graduated in 1962 before enrolling at Los Angeles Valley College. To save money, he lived at home during his college studies. Later, he transferred to the University of Southern California during his junior year. While majoring in business administration, a drama coach encouraged him to try acting, prompting him to drop out during his senior year to pursue the craft at the Beverly Hills Playhouse under Milton Katselas.
Military service and sports
During the Vietnam War, Tom Selleck received a draft notice and chose to enlist in the California Army National Guard. He served in Company C of the 1st Battalion, 160th Infantry from 1967 to 1973. Throughout his military service, he attained the rank of sergeant while balancing his early steps into the entertainment industry.
Before fully committing to acting, he excelled in sports. At the University of Southern California, he played for the USC Trojans men's basketball team and also served as a pitcher and designated hitter for the university's baseball team. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and the Trojan Knights.
Career highlights
Tom Selleck began his career appearing in commercials for products like Pepsi-Cola, Salem cigarettes, and Revlon's Chaz cologne, alongside early television guest spots. His major breakthrough arrived in 1980 when he was cast as the lead role of private investigator Thomas Magnum in the television series Magnum, P.I. The show ran for eight seasons and 163 episodes, earning him five Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and a win in 1984.
Beyond his signature television role, he starred in numerous films, including the box office hit Three Men and a Baby in 1987 alongside its sequel Three Men and a Little Lady. He also portrayed police commissioner Frank Reagan in the long-running television series Blue Bloods from 2010 to 2024 and played Jesse Stone in nine television films based on Robert B. Parker novels.
Family and relationships
Tom Selleck has been married twice throughout his life. His first marriage was to Jacqueline Ray, and he later married Jillie Mack. He is a noted outdoorsman, marksman, and firearms collector, interests that also influenced his various cowboy roles in Western films such as The Sacketts and Quigley Down Under.
Birthday and age
Tom Selleck was born on January 29, 1945, which makes Tom 81 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aquarius sign. Tom shares the date with 54 other famous people.
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