Tom Selleck ditches his trademark mustache and looks unrecognizable

Tom Selleck is a household name in show business, boasting a career that spans decades. Despite facing recent health concerns, the resilient 78-year-old actor shows no signs of slowing down. Notably, he continues to captivate audiences with his role in the acclaimed series Blue Bloods.

Selleck’s distinctive appearance has long been his trademark, with audiences growing accustomed to his iconic look. However, fans were taken aback when one notable feature suddenly disappeared: his trademark mustache.

Tom Selleck wasn’t initially drawn to the idea of pursuing acting during his formative years. Born on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, he later relocated with his family to California, where he spent his youth in the San Fernando Valley.

During his early life, Selleck aspired to attend the University of Southern California (USC), yet financial constraints within his family hindered this ambition.

In 1962, he completed his studies at Grant High School before enrolling at Los Angeles Valley College, opting to reside at home with his parents to mitigate expenses.

In his youth, Selleck’s prospects leaned towards athletics rather than the performing arts. He demonstrated promise as a basketball player and harbored dreams of pursuing a professional career in the sport. Therefore, securing a basketball scholarship at the University of Southern California marked a significant achievement for him.

“I never did school plays. I had no interest,” Selleck recounted to AARP in 2015.

As time progressed, Selleck recognized that basketball might not materialize into a long-term career. However, he devised a contingency plan and sought additional income to support his education. He initially found opportunities in television commercials and made appearances on shows like The Dating Game.

Shortly after, Tom Selleck received an invitation to join 20th Century Fox’s talent program. He dedicated himself to honing his craft, though his pursuits were momentarily interrupted when he took a six-month hiatus for active duty after two years in the program.

Upon his return, Selleck faced rejection. However, rather than succumb to despair, he remained steadfast in his belief that he would thrive as an actor.

Throughout the early 1970s, he secured minor roles in numerous television series. As he approached his mid-30s, Selleck took center stage in six television pilots. Despite his efforts, the breakthrough he sought remained elusive.

It was not until he landed the role of Thomas Magnum in Magnum, P.I. that Selleck’s fortunes changed. Contrary to popular belief, his success was far from instantaneous. In truth, he had grappled and persevered through adversity.

“The luckiest thing that happened was that I didn’t get a real job until I was 35,” Selleck reflected. “When I was 25, I looked 35 but sounded 15. There are a lot of very good actors who make it as younger leading men but don’t graduate — because the audience won’t accept them as grown up.”

Magnum, P.I. became an enormous success, airing from 1980 to 1988 and catapulting Tom to instant celebrity status. He received Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for five consecutive years, finally clinching the award in 1984. Without the show, he might have abandoned acting altogether.

Tom ascended to cult status through Magnum, P.I., and his subsequent career has been nothing short of remarkable. His repertoire includes memorable films such as Three Men and a Baby and In & Out. Additionally, he endeared himself to a new generation of fans with his portrayal of Monica Geller’s older boyfriend, Richard Burke, starting in Season 2 of the beloved sitcom Friends.

In 2010, Selleck embarked on a new and thrilling chapter by portraying Frank Reagan in the drama series Blue Bloods, which has enjoyed a successful 13-season run.

“I never imagined I’d be fortunate enough to be part of a show with such a long run. Perhaps Magnum, P.I. could have achieved that milestone because nobody wanted to cancel it. I was the one causing the divorce,” explained Selleck.

Tom Selleck discusses his back issues, saying, “I’d achieved the number one movie [Three Men and a Baby] in the US, and I desired to start a family. The number of series that have reached the episode count of Blue Bloods is a minuscule percentage. It validates that we’re all in this for the long haul. Every actor is deeply committed to their craft. Thus, it’s a testament to the professionalism of the entire cast.”

In the realm of film and television, some actors have their own stunt doubles. While it’s a risky job, for a select few, entrusting their stunts to others is not an option.

Selleck has historically performed most of his stunts himself, but it has taken a toll. He acknowledges, “My back isn’t what it used to be.”

“When you engage in stunts for movies — as I frequently do — you’re taking risks, but you also spend a lot of time sitting. You might film a fight scene and then settle into your chair. It’s not like you have a personal trainer prompting, ‘Okay, we’re set to go, but Tom needs ten minutes for stretching and warm-up.'”