“Tom Selleck Gave Each ‘Magnum P.I.’ Crew Member a $1,000 Bonus from His Own Salary After CBS Refused”

In his new memoir, You Never Know, Tom Selleck revealed that he renegotiated his salary to personally reward the crew of Magnum P.I. with bonuses after CBS refused to provide them. Selleck recounted his decision to return for an eighth season and expressed his concern that doing so might be misconstrued as a tactic for financial gain.

During contract talks, Selleck initially proposed that crew members receive $1,000 bonuses if the show was completed on time and under budget. CBS, however, rejected the idea, stating that discussing crew bonuses could set a problematic precedent. Selleck was frustrated by the studio’s dismissal of his proposal, noting their tendency to use precedent as a way to avoid new ideas.

Rather than sparking a debate with CBS, Selleck decided to handle the situation himself. Working with his agent Bettye McCart and his lawyer Skip Brittenham, he negotiated a substantial bonus for himself with the studio, which Selleck then used to fund the crew’s bonuses.

Selleck waited until the season concluded and the involved studios, including Universal Television and CBS, were committed. He instructed his team to inform Universal to issue $1,000 checks to every regular crew member in both Hawaii and Los Angeles, emphasizing that since the bonuses came from his own negotiated bonus, no precedent issues were involved.

The crew appreciated Selleck’s gesture. When the checks were distributed, Selleck received a photo from the L.A. crew showing them holding a large check with the note: “Thanks, Tom. What a ‘grand’ gesture.” The appreciation from the crew made Selleck happy, reflecting his strong identification with the hardworking individuals behind the scenes.

This story highlights the broader issue of pay disparity in Hollywood, where high-profile actors often have more leverage compared to everyday workers. This disparity was particularly evident during the 2023 strikes by writers and actors, which aimed to secure better wages and healthcare for industry workers. Despite their success, many prominent actors, including Chris Pine, Matt Damon, and Ben Affleck, remember the financial struggles of their early careers and often show solidarity with those still facing hardships.