Childhood and Education Journey of Tom Selleck in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 20, 2026

An overview of the childhood and early education of Tom Selleck, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

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.

1966: Adoption of Kevin Shepard

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

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: Marriage to Jacqueline Ray

In 1971, Tom Selleck married model Jacqueline Ray.

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.

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.

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.

December 16, 1988: Birth of Daughter Hannah

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

1989: Golden Plate Award

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

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.

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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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: Interest in Politics

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

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: 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).

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.

2012: Life on Avocado Ranch

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

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.

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.