Five Amazing Facts About Tom Selleck

Television icon Tom Selleck is All-American. The star of Magnum PI and Blue Bloods is as well-known for his iconic mustache as he is for his cool and masculine acting style. In the 1980s, few men exhibited a macho attitude like Selleck. Now in his 70s, Selleck has remade himself as a tough-but-fair authority figure. 

In a career spanning 50 years, Selleck has consistently worked and remade himself time and time again. 

But his story goes way beyond the silver screen. Here are some fun facts about Selleck I bet you didn’t know! 

Tom Selleck Served In The California National Guard

After receiving draft orders, Selleck reported to the California National Guard during the Vietnam War. He served in the 160th infantry regiment from 1967 to 1973.

He even appeared in posters promoting the California National Guard.

Selleck is a veteran and he is proud of his service: “I am a veteran, I’m proud of it,” Selleck said. “I was a sergeant in the U.S. Army infantry, National Guard, Vietnam era. We’re all brothers and sisters in that sense.”

Thank you so much for your service, Tom! 

Selleck’s First TV Appearance Was On The Dating Game

This won’t come as a shock to you, but Selleck’s handsomeness got him a role on The Dating Game. His good looks and natural charm also got him a fair share of commercials, too, including for this soap brand. Warning ladies: 

Tom Selleck Credits His Success To Jesus Christ 

Selleck is unique in Hollywood in that he’s never hidden his faith. The devout Christian gives the full credit of his career to Jesus Christ:

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps,” Selleck said. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

In an era when so many dismiss the power of Christ, it is so humbling that Selleck continues to live his faith out loud.

He Didn’t Always Have The ‘Stache 

Did you know Tom Selleck was born without a mustache? It’s true. In fact, the star didn’t don the powerful face brusher until adulthood. 

Believe it or not Selleck had tried to act without it, but the studio execs at CBS were not having it. Selleck’s facial hair is a big reason for his success (kidding, but not really).

Selleck has worked without the mustache in at least one film, In and Out. And on Broadway in “A Thousand Clowns.”

He looks like a completely different person without facial hair. He looks, scarier? I think that’s the right word. Less like a father figure and more like an angry middle school principal. I’m glad he brought it back.

He Auditioned For Indiana Jones

Don’t get me wrong, Selleck would make a great Indiana Jones. But honestly, I can’t imagine anyone having played the part but Harrison Ford. Both men exude that “show not tell” confidence mixed with macho bravado that made the Indie role so iconic:

What’s your favorite Tom Selleck memory? Share it in the comments below!