Tom Selleck has entertained audiences for over a decade as Commissioner Frank Reagan on the series “Blue Bloods” (via IMDb). While many would think playing one of the high-ranking members of a multigenerational dynasty of law enforcement personnel would be difficult enough to overcome, it turns out there is another aspect of the character that Selleck found to be tougher than expected.
According to IMDb, the actor has an assortment of credits going back as far as 1969, but the titles he’s probably most known for starring in aren’t difficult to guess. Among the many endeavors he has embarked upon, whether cinema or television, titles that stand out as contenders for some of his most known works include “Magnum P.I.,” “Three Men and a Baby,” and “Blue Bloods.” Each role is very different and had particular challenges the actor had to overcome to successfully pull off the persona on screen. When playing the Commissioner on the police procedural, Tom Selleck did plenty of research to help sell his performance, and his efforts have earned him respect from real-life law enforcement officers. But out of all the obstacles that Selleck had to overcome to become Frank Reagan on “Blue Bloods,” some fans may be surprised to know that playing the dad to a bunch of grown-ups caused a bit of a stir with the long-time Hollywood player.
Being a TV dad isn’t easy, especially when the kids are all grown up
In “Blue Bloods,” Tom Selleck’s Frank Reagan is the father to Detective Danny Reagan, played by Donnie Wahlberg, ADA Erin Reagan, played by Bridget Moynahan, and Officer Jaime Reagan, played by Will Estes. The thing those three have in common is that they are adults. When asked if he is seen as a bit of a mentor to his costars, he revealed what he really thinks about playing the father to a bunch of grown-ups. “I don’t know. This is the first time I’ve played dad to grown-ups. I felt a little intimidated, Selleck said to Collider. “I see my fellow actors, and I’m way older than some of them. I don’t feel that much older, so I’m just getting used to the idea of playing a parent to grown-up kids. It’s a real interesting challenge for me. I’ve played a father to teenagers, kids, and babies, so it’s a new thing for me, and I like that challenge.”
Selleck may have found it a bit trying to play the dad on “Blue Bloods,” but certain cast members seem to feel like he is doing a stellar job. In an interview with Boston Magazine, Bridget Moynihan had only positive things to say about Selleck’s on-screen father behavior. “It’s been great. He commands that paternal respect straight off the bat, so it’s been an easy relationship to fall into.” Donnie Wahlberg has also confirmed the two have a father-son relationship off-set as well. By all accounts, it’s safe to presume that Selleck can now add successfully playing a dad to full-grown adults to his list of career achievements.