“Tom Selleck Reflects on the Tough Times That Shaped His Stardom in ‘Magnum, P.I.’ in New Memoir”

Tom Selleck’s memoir begins with a gripping account of a car crash at age 17, where he and two friends tumble off Mulholland Drive in his mother’s red Chevy Corvair. The dramatic opening sets the stage for a reflective journey through his life.

In “You Never Know,” Selleck recounts his early years at USC, his Army service, time on “The Dating Game,” and his early acting roles, culminating in his breakout role as Thomas Magnum. Despite numerous rejections and early failures, including six unsold pilots and the poorly received “Daughters of Satan,” Selleck persevered and achieved fame in his mid-30s.

“I wanted readers to experience these stories as I did,” says the 79-year-old actor, who spent four years writing the memoir longhand. Co-writer Ellis Henican praises Selleck’s authenticity, noting that his career has thrived due to his genuine self.

Selleck reveals personal details, such as his secret marriage to Jillie Mack, whom he fell for while she performed in “Cats.” He admits struggles with insecurity and self-doubt, emphasizing the challenging nature of an acting career.

He reflects on turning down the role of Indiana Jones in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” due to his commitment to “Magnum, P.I.”—a role that ran from 1980 to 1988 and earned him an Emmy in 1984. Despite the “what-if” moments, Selleck expresses peace with his choices.

The memoir also highlights his career risks, including rejecting a stable role on “Young and the Restless” and pushing for “Blue Bloods” to be character-driven. Fans will find that Selleck’s efforts contributed to the show’s success through its 14th season.

Selleck views his career as a craft, always striving for excellence and professionalism. “Just showing up wasn’t my idea of work,” he says.