Tom Selleck Opens Up About Health Struggles After Decades of Stunt Work

From Basketball Dreams to Hollywood Fame

Tom Selleck didn’t always plan on becoming an actor. Born in 1945 in Detroit, his family later moved to California. He hoped to attend USC, but money was tight. After enrolling at Los Angeles Valley College, he stayed home to save on costs.

Originally, Tom pursued athletics. He earned a basketball scholarship to USC but quickly realized he couldn’t compete at the college level. “I was pretty good, but I wasn’t good enough,” he admitted.

Early Acting Steps

To pay for school, Selleck took small gigs—TV commercials and even The Dating Game, which he later called “humiliating.” But these early stumbles led to a spot in 20th Century Fox’s talent program.

His big break didn’t come quickly. He starred in six TV pilots and played minor roles throughout the 1970s. At age 35, he finally landed his iconic role in Magnum, P.I.

Instant Fame with Magnum, P.I.

The series ran from 1980 to 1988 and made Selleck a household name. He won an Emmy and achieved cult status. Later, he starred in Three Men and a Baby, In & Out, and gained new fans as Richard on Friends.

In 2010, he returned to prime-time TV in Blue Bloods as Frank Reagan. The show is now entering its 13th season.

Stunt Work Takes a Toll

Throughout his career, Selleck insisted on performing his own stunts. Over time, that decision affected his health.
“My back’s kind of messed up,” he admitted. “Stunts look easy, but the stop-and-go nature of filming takes a toll.”

He’s not a gym fan but stays active by doing heavy labor on his 63-acre California ranch. “I do a lot of the grunt work—clearing brush, planting trees,” he shared. “I’ve probably planted a thousand trees myself.”

Family Comes First

Selleck married actress Jillie Mack in 1987 after meeting her backstage during a Cats performance. They’ve now been married 35 years. He even left Magnum, P.I. to focus on family. “It took a long time to get off the train, but I try very hard to find balance,” he told People.

The couple raised their daughter Hannah on their ranch. Both share a passion for horses and even started a side business breeding them. Hannah became a successful competitive rider, earning top-five finishes across Europe and North America.

Overcoming Challenges Together

In 2018, Hannah shattered her tibia and fibula in a riding accident but made a full recovery. She now runs her own training and breeding business, Descanso Farm.

A Lasting Legacy

Selleck’s career spans over five decades, and his commitment to hard work, family, and staying grounded continues to inspire fans worldwide.

If you admire Tom Selleck and wish him continued health and happiness, share this story with your friends and family.