Tom Selleck Reveals He ‘Certainly Didn’t Want to Be an Actor’ but Took a Big ‘Risk’ Anyway
A stray golf ball nearly introduced Tom Selleck to James Garner before their time together on The Rockford Files. Recalling the incident, Tom says, “At a little par-three golf course, I hit an errant shot — which was my customary golf shot — and it flies up in the air and almost hits Jim Garner. I never told him that!”
In his memoir, You Never Know, Tom shares many untold stories from his journey, starting as an indifferent college student at USC to becoming one of Hollywood’s most cherished actors. “I certainly didn’t want to be an actor. I never thought of that in my life,” admits Tom, now 79, during a chat at New York’s 92nd Street Y.
A Late Start in Acting
At 35, CBS offered Tom his breakout role in Magnum, P.I. in 1980. “Nobody knew who I was. They thought I was just a guy on a Salem billboard smoking a menthol cigarette,” he says. Despite the opportunity, Tom disliked the original script and felt pressured into accepting the role.
Fortunately, his stint as private investigator Lance White on The Rockford Files gave him a chance to learn from James Garner, who offered sage advice. “He said, ‘I’m not telling you what to do, but I’ll tell you this: You don’t have any power. But if they want you, you will never have more power than you do right now.’”
Taking Risks and Finding Success
Taking Garner’s words to heart, Tom initially turned down Magnum. Eventually, CBS allowed him more creative input, shaping the character of Thomas Magnum and the series’ direction. “If that little ultimatum I gave Universal hadn’t worked out, I never would have worked again,” Tom admits. “But risk is the price you pay for opportunity.”
A Missed Opportunity with Indiana Jones
Before Magnum, P.I. aired, Tom had the chance to discuss playing Indiana Jones in 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. However, network commitments to Magnum prevented this, and the role went to Harrison Ford. “It was OK. Magnum wasn’t like a consolation prize,” Tom reflects. “It was the best thing that ever happened to me — until Raiders came along.”
A Family Man at Heart
In 2010, Tom returned to television full-time as Police Commissioner Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods. The role resonated deeply with Tom, portraying a father striving to do right by his family, much like his own father, Robert.
Reflecting on his father’s wisdom, Tom recalls, “He really thought for a moment and said, ‘Look, it’s one of those occupations that is kind of special. You don’t want to get to be 35 and wonder what if.’” As Tom left the room, his father added, “Just don’t let them change you.” This advice guided Tom through his career, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and risk-taking.
Tom Selleck’s journey from a reluctant actor to a beloved Hollywood icon showcases the power of taking risks and staying true to oneself. His story is a testament to perseverance, the impact of wise mentorship, and the rewards of embracing unexpected opportunities.
