“How Tom Selleck’s Acting Career Took an Unexpected Turn”

Tom Selleck’s Path to Fame: A Serendipitous Journey

At 79, Tom Selleck reflects on his remarkably successful acting career, which he describes as largely “accidental.” Despite his iconic status, Selleck reveals that he never had a burning desire to become an actor.

“I never took an acting class, had no formal training, and didn’t really have a desire to act,” Selleck told PEOPLE. He views his career as a stroke of luck rather than a result of ambition or intense pursuit.

Selleck feels fortunate for his career, acknowledging, “I don’t have the hooks that a lot of people do. I didn’t rehabilitate myself or have a tragic life. I’ve had my share of ups and downs, but overall, I’ve been very fortunate.”

For Selleck, acting has always been a job—a means to earn a living—rather than a passion or a dream. “People would say, ‘Oh, he was bitten by the acting bug’ or ‘He wanted to be a star.’ I’ve never talked that way. I just wanted to work.”

Despite his pragmatic approach, Selleck remains deeply appreciative of his achievements. In quieter moments, he enjoys relaxing with “a cigar and a glass of whisky.” He reflects on his life with gratitude, acknowledging that while it might not have been what he originally envisioned, he feels fortunate for the journey he’s had.

Selleck’s decision to leave “Magnum, P.I.”—a role that brought him fame—stemmed from his desire for a more fulfilling life. “I quit ‘Magnum’ not because I didn’t like it, but because I was tired from it and wanted a more rounded life,” he explained. The show, which aired from 1980 to 1988, was demanding, and Selleck felt disconnected from the Hollywood lifestyle. “I had a feeling of, ‘I don’t think I’m cut out for this.’”