Tom Selleck is one of the few Hollywood stars who has enjoyed enduring success in an industry known for its highs and lows. Many dream of making it in Hollywood, but very few reach that level of achievement. Selleck, however, is one of those rare success stories.

Selleck’s breakthrough came when he landed the lead role in Magnum P.I., which turned out to be a career-defining moment. The show was wildly popular, and Selleck’s performance earned him five Emmy nominations, winning one in 1985. Before this success, his career was far from glamorous—he had minor roles in TV shows and movies, appeared on The Dating Game, and even did commercials. He once referred to some of these early experiences as “humiliating and unpleasant,” but they clearly didn’t deter him from pursuing his goals.

Magnum P.I. is what Tom Selleck is most famous for, but his journey to stardom wasn’t smooth. He was rejected from talent programs and passed over for jobs. Despite the setbacks, Selleck never gave up. He attributes his eventual success to the fact that he didn’t land a significant role until he was 35. By then, he had the maturity and life experience to be accepted by audiences as a leading man.

In an interview, Selleck admitted that if Magnum P.I. hadn’t worked out, he would have quit acting altogether. He was on the verge of giving up his acting career when the opportunity came along, and he’s grateful it did. Without that role, Selleck might have walked away from the profession he loved.

In addition to his role in Magnum P.I., Selleck has won over fans with his portrayal of Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods. He has been playing the role since 2010, and the show has been renewed for its thirteenth season, a testament to both his talent and the show’s success.

However, the physical demands of acting have taken their toll. Selleck admits that years of performing his stunts have strained his body, and he’s not in the same shape he once was. Yet, he remains a central figure on Blue Bloods and continues to contribute significantly to the show.

Acting, especially with stunts, can be physically taxing. It often requires long periods of waiting in between action scenes, which can be rough on the body. Over time, constant movement without proper stretching or downtime can wear you out.

Outside of his career, Selleck spends a lot of time working on his ranch in Ventura, California, which helps him stay active and healthy. He also shares his love for horses with his daughter, passing down his passion to the next generation.

Selleck has been happily married to Jillie Mack for over 35 years, a rarity in Hollywood. Family has always been his priority, and in 2012, he opened up about leaving Magnum P.I. to focus on raising his family. He said it took some time to step away from the fast-paced Hollywood life, but the ranch gave him a much-needed balance. His wife also shared that they felt the ranch was the best environment for their daughter to grow up in.