History of Tom Selleck in Timeline

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Tom Selleck

Tom Selleck is an American actor best known for his leading role as Thomas Magnum in the television series Magnum, P.I. (1980-1988), which earned him an Emmy Award in 1984. He also starred as Frank Reagan in the series Blue Bloods (2010-2024) and played Jesse Stone in a series of TV films (2005-2015) based on Robert B. Parker's novels.

6 hours ago : Tom Selleck's New True Crime Series: A Perfect Chapter After Blue Bloods

Tom Selleck is hosting 'Crime and Justice' on the History Channel, marking a new venture into true crime after his role in 'Blue Bloods'. The show seems like a fitting next step for him.

1944: Historical Context of Ike: Countdown to D-Day

The movie Ike: Countdown to D-Day, in which Tom Selleck played Dwight D. Eisenhower, depicted the planning, politics, and preparation for the 1944 invasion of Normandy.

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January 29, 1945: Tom Selleck's Birth

On January 29, 1945, Thomas William Selleck was born, marking the beginning of his life and eventual career as an American actor.

1948: Family Moves to Los Angeles

In 1948, Tom Selleck's family moved to Los Angeles, where they lived in Sherman Oaks.

1957: Jillie Joan Mack's birth year

In 1957, Jillie Joan Mack, who would later marry Tom Selleck, was born.

1962: Graduation from Grant High School

In 1962, Tom Selleck graduated from Grant High School with Micky Dolenz.

1965: First TV Appearance on The Dating Game

In 1965, Tom Selleck's first television appearance was as a college senior on The Dating Game.

1966: Adoption of Kevin Shepard

In 1966, Jacqueline Ray's son Kevin Shepard was born and later adopted by Tom Selleck.

January 28, 1967: Appearance on The Dating Game

On January 28, 1967, Tom Selleck made an appearance on The Dating Game.

1967: Service in the California Army National Guard

In 1967, Tom Selleck began his service as an infantry man in the California Army National Guard.

1971: Right Guard Deodorant Commercial

In 1971, Tom Selleck appeared in a commercial for Right Guard deodorant.

1971: Marriage to Jacqueline Ray

In 1971, Tom Selleck married model Jacqueline Ray.

1972: Commercials for Dubonnet and Safeguard

In 1972, Tom Selleck appeared in commercials for Dubonnet with Farrah Fawcett and for Safeguard deodorant soap.

1973: End of Service in California Army National Guard

In 1973, Tom Selleck concluded his service in the California Army National Guard, having attained the rank of sergeant.

1977: Close-Up Toothpaste Commercial

In 1977, Tom Selleck appeared in a commercial for Close-Up toothpaste.

1979: Role in The Sacketts and Concrete Cowboys

In 1979, Tom Selleck played Orrin Sackett in The Sacketts and also appeared in Concrete Cowboys.

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1980: Debut of Magnum, P.I.

In 1980, Tom Selleck played the role of Thomas Magnum in Magnum, P.I., a former U.S. Navy SEAL officer who became a private investigator in Hawaii.

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1982: Appearance in The Shadow Riders

In 1982, Tom Selleck appeared in The Shadow Riders, another Louis L'Amour adaptation.

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1982: Divorce from Jacqueline Ray

In 1982, Tom Selleck divorced model Jacqueline Ray.

1984: Introduction of Nancy Reagan at RNC

In 1984, Tom Selleck introduced Nancy Reagan at the 1984 Republican National Convention.

1984: Emmy Award for Magnum, P.I.

In 1984, Tom Selleck won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Magnum, P.I.

1984: Emmy Award Win

In 1984, Tom Selleck won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role in Magnum, P.I.

1984: Starring in Lassiter and Runaway

In 1984, during the Magnum years, Tom Selleck starred in the films Lassiter and Runaway.

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1986: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 1986, Tom Selleck received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 6925 Hollywood Blvd.

1986: Batting-practice home run with the Detroit Tigers

In 1986, Tom Selleck, a minority owner of the Detroit Tigers, hit a batting-practice home run while working out with the team.

August 7, 1987: Marriage to Jillie Joan Mack

On August 7, 1987, Tom Selleck married Jillie Joan Mack, whom he met in Britain.

1987: Release of Three Men and a Baby

In 1987, Tom Selleck played bachelor architect Peter Mitchell in the film Three Men and a Baby.

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December 16, 1988: Birth of Daughter Hannah

On December 16, 1988, Tom Selleck and Jillie Joan Mack had their daughter, Hannah.

1988: End of Magnum, P.I.

In 1988, Magnum, P.I. ended its run and became the top-rated, one-hour show in syndicated reruns.

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1989: Starring in Her Alibi and An Innocent Man

In 1989, Tom Selleck ended the decade by starring in the romantic comedy Her Alibi and the crime drama An Innocent Man.

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1989: Golden Plate Award

In 1989, Tom Selleck received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement.

1990: Release of Three Men and a Little Lady

In 1990, Tom Selleck appeared in the sequel to Three Men and a Baby, titled Three Men and a Little Lady.

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1990: Starring in Quigley Down Under

In 1990, Tom Selleck starred in the Australian Western Quigley Down Under.

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1991: Practice with Detroit Tigers for Mr. Baseball role

In 1991, Tom Selleck prepared for his role in the film Mr. Baseball by practicing with the Detroit Tigers during spring training for three weeks. He participated in batting practice and even played in an exhibition game against Cincinnati as a pinch hitter, where he eventually struck out. Selleck believed this experience significantly helped him understand competitive players and team dynamics, enhancing his performance in the film.

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1992: Starring in Multiple Films

In 1992, Tom Selleck starred in Folks!, Christopher Columbus: The Discovery, and Mr. Baseball.

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1993: Voice-Over for AT&T Advertising Campaign

In 1993, Tom Selleck provided the voice-over for AT&T's "You Will" advertising campaigns.

1996: Larry Manetti's praise in Aloha Magnum

In 1996, Larry Manetti, Tom Selleck's Magnum co-star, praised Selleck in his memoir, Aloha Magnum, for his strong work ethic, involvement with Hawaiian charities, and support for the cast and crew of the show.

1997: Role in In & Out

In 1997, Tom Selleck starred in In & Out, his first role as a gay character (Peter Malloy).

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1997: Western Heritage Award for Last Stand at Saber River

In 1997, Tom Selleck won a "Western Heritage Award" for his role in Last Stand at Saber River.

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February 1998: Lead Role in The Closer

In February 1998, Tom Selleck accepted the lead role in a CBS sitcom called The Closer, marking his comeback on primetime TV; however, it was canceled after 10 episodes due to low ratings.

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1998: Magnum, P.I.'s Syndication Success

By 1998, after the end of the show, Magnum, P.I. had established itself as the top-rated, one-hour show in the history of syndicated reruns.

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May 19, 1999: Appearance on The Rosie O'Donnell Show

On May 19, 1999, Tom Selleck appeared on The Rosie O'Donnell Show to promote The Love Letter. During the show, O'Donnell questioned Selleck about his support for gun ownership and his appearance in an NRA ad.

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1999: Starring in The Love Letter

In 1999, Tom Selleck starred in the movie The Love Letter.

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April 28, 2000: Honorary doctorate from Pepperdine University

On April 28, 2000, Tom Selleck received an honorary doctorate degree from Pepperdine University due to his outstanding character and ethic. He is a board member of the Joseph and Edna Josephson Institute of Ethics and co-founder of the Character Counts Coalition.

2000: Emmy Nomination for Friends

In 2000, Tom Selleck received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in Friends.

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2000: Interest in Politics

In 2000, Tom Selleck stated that he has always been interested in politics.

2001: Recording with Nicolas King

In 2001, Tom Selleck recorded "Yessir, That's My Baby" live with Nicolas King during their run of A Thousand Clowns, which was then released in 2021 on King's album.

2001: Role in Crossfire Trail and A Thousand Clowns

In 2001, Tom Selleck starred in the TNT movie Crossfire Trail and played the lead role in a Broadway revival of Herb Gardner's A Thousand Clowns.

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2002: Donation to NRA

In 2002, Tom Selleck donated the rifle he used in Quigley Down Under, along with six other firearms from his films, to the NRA for their "Real Guns of Reel Heroes" exhibit at the National Firearms Museum.

2003: Motion Picture Monte Walsh

In 2003, Tom Selleck starred in the motion picture Monte Walsh.

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2003: Succeeded Charlton Heston as NRA spokesman

In 2003, Tom Selleck succeeded his close friend Charlton Heston as a spokesman for the National Rifle Association (NRA).

2004: Portrayal of Dwight D. Eisenhower in Ike: Countdown to D-Day

In 2004, Tom Selleck played General Dwight D. Eisenhower in A&E's made-for-TV movie Ike: Countdown to D-Day, receiving critical acclaim.

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2005: Jesse Stone Film Series Debut

In 2005, Tom Selleck started playing Jesse Stone in a series of nine television films based on the Robert B. Parker novels.

2005: Starring in Jesse Stone Film Series

Since 2005, Tom Selleck has starred in the role of Jesse Stone in a series of made-for-TV movies based on Robert B. Parker's novels.

2006: Recurring Role on Boston Legal

In 2006, Tom Selleck had a recurring role on the ABC drama Boston Legal as Ivan Tiggs.

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September 28, 2007: Joining Las Vegas Cast

On September 28, 2007, Tom Selleck joined the cast of the NBC drama Las Vegas, playing A. J. Cooper.

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December 30, 2007: Commercial Voice-Overs for Florida's Natural

As of December 30, 2007, Tom Selleck began doing commercial voice-overs for Florida's Natural orange juice.

2007: Voice Role in Meet the Robinsons

In 2007, Tom Selleck voiced the character of Cornelius Robinson in the animated film Meet the Robinsons.

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February 2009: Spokesman for Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

In February 2009, Tom Selleck became the national spokesman for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund's new Education Center being built on the National Mall.

September 24, 2010: Premiere of Blue Bloods

On September 24, 2010, Blue Bloods premiered, featuring Tom Selleck as NYC Police Commissioner Frank Reagan.

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2010: Debut in Blue Bloods

In 2010, Tom Selleck began his role as NYC Police Commissioner Frank Reagan in the television series Blue Bloods.

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2010: Role in Killers

In 2010, Tom Selleck played the role of Mr. Kornfeldt in the comedy movie Killers.

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2012: Life on Avocado Ranch

In 2012, Tom Selleck discussed living and working on his 60-acre avocado ranch in Hidden Valley, California.

2012: Coldwell Banker Ad Campaign

In 2012, Tom Selleck was featured in Coldwell Banker's television ad campaign focusing on homeownership.

2014: Response to James Garner's death

In 2014, upon James Garner's death, Tom Selleck expressed his grief, calling Garner a mentor and friend.

October 2015: Release of Latest Jesse Stone Film

In October 2015, the most recent film in the Jesse Stone series was released, with Tom Selleck also acting as producer.

2016: Pitchman for American Advisors Group

In 2016, Tom Selleck became the pitchman for reverse-mortgage lender American Advisors Group.

2016: Write-in vote for David Brown

In the 2016 presidential election, Tom Selleck did not support either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, and instead wrote in former Dallas Police Department Chief David Brown, due to Brown's leadership during the 2016 Dallas police shooting.

September 18, 2018: Resignation from NRA Board

On September 18, 2018, Tom Selleck resigned from the board of directors of the National Rifle Association (NRA), though he remained a member.

2021: Album Debut with Nicolas King

In 2021, Tom Selleck made his album debut singing "Yessir, That's My Baby" with Nicolas King on King's album Act One.

December 13, 2024: Blue Bloods Series Finale

On December 13, 2024, the TV series Blue Bloods, starring Tom Selleck, ended its run.

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