“Tom Selleck Reflects on the Struggles That Shaped His Stardom in ‘Magnum, P.I.’”

Tom Selleck’s memoir begins with a dramatic scene: at 17, he is a passenger in his mother’s red Chevy Corvair when he and two friends go airborne off Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles. Though everyone survives the crash, the harrowing incident sets the tone for his reflective new book.

In “You Never Know,” Selleck takes readers through his formative years, from his time at the University of Southern California and his Army service, to his brief stint as Bachelor No. 2 on “The Dating Game.” He also delves into his early roles in small parts and commercials before achieving widespread fame as Thomas Magnum, the Vietnam War veteran-turned-detective who navigated Hawaii in a red Ferrari on “Magnum, P.I.” from 1980 to 1988. Selleck currently stars in CBS’s “Blue Bloods.”

In an interview, Selleck reveals that starting the memoir with the crash was a deliberate choice. “It seemed like the perfect way to revisit my upbringing and the aftermath of that event,” he says. “It’s an unusual way to start, but it felt right.”

Selleck dedicated four years to writing the book by hand on yellow legal pads, quoting from George Will and Raymond Chandler along the way. He would read his work to his wife each evening, crafting a narrative that aims to entertain and provide insight into his journey.

The memoir portrays Selleck as an actor who methodically honed his craft through numerous challenges, including six unsold pilots and an early film in the ill-fated “Daughters of Satan.” His persistence paid off in his mid-30s, bringing him the Emmy Award and iconic role of Magnum.

Ellis Henican, Selleck’s co-writer, notes, “Selleck’s authenticity is his greatest asset. He’s built a successful career in a tough industry by staying true to himself.”

While the memoir is not a tell-all, Selleck does share personal details, including his secret marriage to his second wife, Jillie Mack, whom he first saw in “Cats.” “There’s a lot I haven’t discussed, and some things have been inaccurately reported,” he explains.

The book reveals Selleck’s battles with self-doubt, despite his imposing 6-foot-4 stature and charismatic persona. He writes candidly about the insecurities and challenges of a career in acting, noting, “The critic on your shoulder is a formidable opponent.”

Selleck’s decision to turn down the role of Indiana Jones in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” due to his “Magnum, P.I.” schedule is a well-known story, but he has no regrets. “My only regret is the occasional ‘what if,’” he reflects.

In addition to his own career, Selleck’s memoir includes anecdotes about other celebrities like Carol Burnett, Princess Diana, and Frank Sinatra, who made his final acting appearance on “Magnum, P.I.” Despite the challenges, Selleck’s dedication to his craft shines through.

Fans of “Blue Bloods” will find the final pages revealing how Selleck fought for the show to be character-driven rather than a standard procedural, a vision that contributed to its ongoing success in its 14th season. “I can’t be that lucky twice,” he writes.

Selleck describes his approach to acting as a bricklayer’s commitment—meticulous and businesslike. “Showing up and collecting a paycheck wasn’t my idea of work,” he says. “I aimed to do it in a professional manner, without tantrums or script-throwing.”