Tom Selleck ditches his trademark mustache and looks unrecognizable
Tom Selleck is a household name in the entertainment industry. The 78-year-old actor has graced screens for decades, and despite recent health concerns, retirement doesn’t seem to be on his agenda. In recent years, he’s captivated audiences with his role in the hit series Blue Bloods.
Selleck’s appearance has long been iconic, with his trademark mustache becoming a defining feature. However, fans have recently been taken aback by one significant change: the absence of his iconic facial hair.
Tom Selleck wasn’t initially drawn to the idea of pursuing acting as a career during his upbringing. Born on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, he relocated with his family to California, where he spent his formative years in the San Fernando Valley.
During his youth, Selleck aspired to attend the University of Southern California (USC), yet financial constraints within his family prevented him from realizing this dream.
Following his graduation from Grant High School in 1962, he enrolled at Los Angeles Valley College and opted to reside with his parents to mitigate expenses.
In his early days, Selleck’s ambitions leaned more toward athletics than acting. He exhibited promise as a basketball player and harbored aspirations of pursuing a professional career in the sport. Consequently, receiving a basketball scholarship at the University of Southern California marked a significant achievement for him.
Reflecting on his past, Selleck revealed to AARP in 2015, “I never did school plays. I had no interest.”
As time progressed, Selleck came to the realization that basketball might not be his ultimate vocation. However, he had formulated a contingency plan and secured supplementary employment to finance his education. Initially, he found opportunities in television commercials and even made appearances on shows like The Dating Game.
Subsequently, Selleck earned a place in 20th Century Fox’s talent program, where he honed his acting abilities. However, his tenure was interrupted when he took a six-month hiatus for active duty after two years of participation.
Upon his return, Selleck faced rejection. However, instead of yielding to defeat, he remained steadfast in his belief that he would succeed as an actor.
During the early 1970s, he secured minor roles in numerous television series. As he neared his mid-30s, Selleck took on leading roles 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 the perception of overnight success enveloped Tom. Contrary to popular belief, his journey had been one of struggle and relentless determination.
“The stroke of luck for me was holding out on a conventional career until I turned 35,” Selleck reflected. “At 25, I looked mature but sounded youthful. Many talented actors falter when they age out of the ‘young leading man’ category because the audience struggles to accept them as adults.”
Magnum, P.I. catapulted him to stardom. The crime drama, which aired from 1980 to 1988, bestowed upon Tom 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.
Magnum, P.I. elevated Tom to iconic status, and his subsequent career has been nothing short of extraordinary. His repertoire includes notable films such as Three Men and a Baby and In & Out. Additionally, he endeared himself to a new generation of fans as Monica Geller’s older boyfriend, Richard Burke, in Season 2 of the beloved comedy series Friends.
In 2010, Selleck assumed the role of Frank Reagan in the drama series Blue Bloods, marking a fresh and thrilling chapter in his career. The show has enjoyed a successful run, spanning 13 seasone,
“I never anticipated I’d be fortunate enough to helm a show with such enduring longevity. Perhaps Magnum, P.I. could have achieved that milestone, given its reluctance for cancellation. I humorously attribute myself as the catalyst for marital splits,” Selleck reflected.
Tom Selleck discloses issues with his back: “I spearheaded the number one movie [Three Men and a Baby] in the US and sought to establish a family. The rarity of series matching Blue Bloods’ episode count is minute, signifying our dedication to the craft. The attainment of this milestone validates our collective commitment to excellence,” he expressed.
While in numerous films and series, actors often rely on stunt doubles, for some, relinquishing control over their stunts is non-negotiable.
While Selleck has historically performed most of his stunts, it hasn’t been without consequences. He acknowledges his body’s changes. “My back’s seen better days,” Selleck admitted. “When you’re involved in movie stunts—of which I’ve been a part of many—you assume risks, compounded by extended periods of inactivity. After executing a fight sequence, you find yourself seated, without the luxury of a personal trainer dictating, ‘Tom needs ten minutes of stretching and warm-up.’ It’s a different reality.”
