Tom Selleck, who turned 80 on January 29, 2025, has been a steady presence on the big and small screen since he burst onto the scene as the star of Magnum P.I. in 1980. He’s had iconic roles in every decade since, from his 14-year run as police commissioner Frank Reagan on Blue Bloods to his time on Three Men And A Baby and the Jesse Stone franchises, to his fan-beloved appearances as Monica’s older boyfriend on Friends. It’s an impressive resume for anyone — but especially so once you realize that Selleck didn’t even originally plan on becoming an actor!
What else don’t you know about the great mustachioed one? Read on and find out!
1. He originally planned on becoming a professional athlete
Before he ever set foot on a TV set, Selleck was a talented athlete who excelled at basketball and baseball, and even nabbed a basketball scholarship from the University of Southern California. And unlike many college players, Selleck had the rare privilege of being told by MLB star Mickey Mantle that he had the potential to be in the major leagues.
Despite his athletic talent, however, he eventually decided to drop out of USC to pursue an acting career after he was offered a contract with 20th Century Fox. But all that baseball practice didn’t go to waste: He later got to act out his former dreams in the film Mr. Baseball.
2.He appeared on The Dating Game twice … and lost both times
It seems crazy that an actor known for his good looks and army of dedicated female fans wouldn’t win a dating game show. But that’s exactly what happened to a young Tom, when he made his TV debut in 1965 on The Dating Game. Selleck was just 20 years old during his first appearance (before he had his iconic mustache). He came back two years later … and lost again. Can you imagine turning down THE Tom Selleck? Those ladies are probably regretting their decision now.
3.He could have been Indiana Jones
Selleck was offered the role of Indiana Jones in Raiders Of The Lost Ark in 1980. However, he was about to start filming Magnum, P.I. and the timing just didn’t work out for him to do both. Luckily for Selleck, he still got to play the role of Indiana Jones … in a 1988 episode of Magnum P.I. Do you remember that episode?
4.He met his longtime wife while filming a movie
Selleck and his wife Jillie Mack met while filming Lassiter in 1983. They wed in 1987 — the same year Selleck starred in one of his most popular films Three Men and A Baby. They had their daughter, Hannah, one year later in 1988.
5. His Friends scenes had to be reshot because fans were too loud
Though it wasn’t as major a role as Magnum or Blue Bloods, Selleck’s late ’90s run on Friends as Dr. Richard Burke, Monica’s boyfriend, remains a major fan favorite. In fact, when episodes were being filmed in front of a live audience, many of his scenes had to be re-shot because fans were cheering too loudly! He earned an Emmy nomination for his role on the show in 2000.