Three13 · Film & Television Feature
Tom SelleckDetroit-Born Iconof American TV
How a Detroit-born Army veteran became Magnum P.I., dominated box offices with Three Men and a Baby, and anchored Blue Bloods for 14 seasons.
Thomas William Selleck was born in Detroit, Michigan, on January 29, 1945. Before he defined leading-man charisma on American television in Magnum, P.I., Selleck spent his early childhood in Motor City before moving West, bringing Midwestern work ethic and poise to an acting career spanning over five decades.
Career Timeline
1945
Born Thomas William Selleck in Detroit, Michigan, to Martha and Robert Dean Selleck.
1962
Attends University of Southern California (USC) on a basketball scholarship while studying business administration.
1967–1973
Serves in the California Army National Guard (160th Infantry Regiment) while taking acting classes at the Beverly Hills Playhouse.
1980
Lands the starring role as Thomas Magnum in CBS's Hawaii-set detective series Magnum, P.I., catapulting him to television stardom.
1984
Wins the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Magnum, P.I.
1987
Stars in Three Men and a Baby, which becomes the highest-grossing film of 1987 at the domestic box office.
1996
Plays Dr. Richard Burke on Friends, earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor.
2010–2024
Stars as New York City Police Commissioner Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods across 14 seasons.
Honors & Accolades
- ◆Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Magnum, P.I., 1984)
- ◆Golden Globe Award — Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama (1985)
- ◆Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (6925 Hollywood Blvd)
- ◆Horatio Alger Award recipient (2000)
External Links
Frequently Asked
Was Tom Selleck born in Detroit?+
Yes. Tom Selleck was born Thomas William Selleck on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, to Robert Dean Selleck and Martha Selleck.
What is Tom Selleck's most famous role?+
Tom Selleck is best known for starring as private investigator Thomas Magnum in 'Magnum, P.I.' (1980–1988) and as NYPD Commissioner Frank Reagan in 'Blue Bloods' (2010–2024).