“Tom Selleck Gifts $1,000 to Every Magnum P.I. Crew Member After CBS Denies Bonuses”
Tom Selleck has shared the story behind his generous gesture of giving each member of the Magnum P.I. crew $1,000 out of his own earnings.
In his new memoir, You Never Know, the 79-year-old actor, who starred as private investigator Thomas Magnum in the 1980s series, delves into some behind-the-scenes drama. Selleck reveals that he faced a dilemma about returning for the show’s eighth season, as he didn’t want to appear as though he was using the situation to negotiate a higher salary.
The issue of money became prominent when Selleck began negotiating his pay and requested bonuses for the crew. He proposed that CBS and Universal Television, the studios responsible for the season, each provide $1,000 bonuses to crew members if the season was completed on time and within budget. However, the studios rejected the idea, citing concerns about setting a “dangerous precedent.”
Frustrated by their refusal, Selleck decided to take action on his own. He negotiated a substantial bonus for himself and instructed his lawyer and agent to demand that Universal Television distribute the bonus to every regular crew member in both Hawaii and LA as $1,000 checks. Selleck emphasized that since the funds were coming from his own bonus, it didn’t set a precedent.
The crew members were delighted when they received their checks. Selleck recalls receiving a photo of the LA crew with big smiles, holding a large check for $1,000. The caption read, “Thanks, Tom. What a ‘grand’ gesture,” which brought Selleck great satisfaction.
