Tom Selleck’s Dad and James Garner Gave Him A+ Life Advice After He Criticized the Original Magnum P.I. Script

Tom Selleck may currently be recognized for his role in Blue Bloods, but he still fondly recalls his days on Magnum P.I.. At 79, Selleck, famous for his iconic mustache and portrayal of the titular character on CBS’s crime drama, reflects on a time when the show’s future wasn’t as secure as it may seem now. Despite the catchy theme song that continues to resonate, the early days of Magnum P.I. were fraught with uncertainty, and Selleck received crucial advice from his father and close friend, James Garner, that helped shape the show’s success.

It’s almost hard to believe that a series that ran for eight seasons and inspired a reboot faced challenges in its early stages. During an interview with Esquire, Selleck revealed that the original script for Magnum P.I. was far from impressive. The character of Thomas Magnum was initially written to be too perfect, akin to James Bond, which didn’t sit well with Selleck. Garner, a seasoned TV star known for The Rockford Files, recognized Selleck’s dissatisfaction and offered pivotal advice:

“The original script for Magnum was horrible. The guy was too perfect, like James Bond. Jim Garner gave me the best piece of advice I may have ever gotten. Jim was driving me back from the Rockford Files set. He knew me pretty well and asked, ‘What’s wrong?’ I said, ‘The studio’s assigned a script to me, and I hate it.’”

Navigating the disappointment of an unsatisfactory script, especially for a major role like Magnum, was challenging for Selleck. Garner, who understood the intricacies of leading a TV show, advised him wisely: “You don’t have any power, but if they want you for this part, you will never have more power than you do at this moment.” Taking this advice to heart, Selleck took a stand and refused to accept the original script. The studio was initially resistant, questioning his authority as a newcomer. However, they eventually brought in a new writer who crafted a much-improved pilot.

This decision was crucial; had Selleck not pushed for changes, Magnum P.I. might not have achieved the success it did, and Selleck’s career trajectory could have been very different. His father also provided valuable perspective, advising him that “Risk is the price to pay for opportunity.” This encouragement from both his father and Garner helped Selleck make a bold choice that proved to be pivotal.

Reflecting on the success of Magnum P.I. and his subsequent career, Selleck’s decision to stand firm and seek better creative input was validated. His experiences have not only shaped his own career but also highlight the importance of listening to trusted advice and being willing to take risks. As he continues with Blue Bloods and beyond, Selleck’s journey serves as a reminder of the impact that wise counsel and personal courage can have on achieving success.