Tom Selleck’s Top 6 Iconic Roles: A Personal Reflection

Tom Selleck Reflects on His Six Most Iconic Roles

Still enjoying his time as the star of CBS’s Blue Bloods, Tom Selleck shares his thoughts on six memorable performances beyond the police drama.

From his comedic roles in Three Men and a Baby and Friends to his legendary performance in Magnum, P.I., Selleck’s diverse roles have left a lasting impact. Here’s a closer look at his personal reflections on the characters that made him a household name.

The Sacketts (1979)
In this Louis L’Amour TV movie, Selleck portrayed one of three brothers. “Working with [costar] Ben Johnson was a pivotal experience for me. From that moment on, I knew I belonged in Westerns.”

Magnum, P.I. (1980-88)
“I almost jeopardized my career by turning down the pilot at first because the character seemed too perfect. After they revised the script to give him flaws, I knew it was the right fit.”

Three Men and a Baby (1987)
“This film changed everything for me. While my first two films were hits, there were still doubts about my movie career. Three Men being the number one film worldwide silenced those critics.”

Quigley Down Under (1990)
Selleck took on the role of a sharpshooter from Montana in the Australian outback. “I loved the script, but I wondered if audiences would accept me in such an iconic role.”

Friends (1996-2000)
“Joining Friends was my first major sitcom experience. I realized the show’s immense popularity when TV Guide featured Courteney and me—Monica and Richard—on the cover!”

In & Out (1997)
“It was a blast to play a character that you love to hate or hate to love. Peter is key to delivering the film’s message to Howard, played by Kevin Kline, but he’s also a somewhat unscrupulous TV reporter.”

Through these roles, Tom Selleck has cemented his legacy as a versatile and beloved actor.