Tom Selleck is an American actor best known for portraying private investigator Thomas Magnum on the hit television series, “Magnum P.I.” during the 1980s. He was born on January 29, 1945, as Thomas William Selleck to real estate investor, Robert Dean Selleck, and housewife, Martha Selleck. At three years old, the future actor’s family moved to Sherman Oaks in California where he grew up playing basketball and baseball. During the Vietnam War, Selleck joined the California National Guard and served in the 160th Infantry Regiment from 1967 to 1973.
During the 1970s, Selleck started his acting career by appearing in minor television roles and commercials. It wasn’t until the following decade that he finally caught his big break by landing the lead role of Thomas Magnum in “Magnum P.I.” The series was an instant hit, earning Selleck international fame and five Emmy nominations. The actor also became known for his towering height, dashing looks, and iconic mustache. Thanks to his role on the show, Selleck became a pop culture icon of the 1980s.
After several seasons, Selleck left the set of “Magnum” to focus on his family. However, it didn’t mean that he left showbiz completely. Just before he retired the investigator’s cap, Selleck starred in the comedy film “Three Men and a Baby” which became the biggest box office hit in 1987. Throughout the nineties, the actor also appeared in multiple shows with his most notable role as Dr. Richard Burke, Monica’s love interest in the sitcom, “F.R.I.E.N.D.S.”
Selleck’s incredible work ethic and passion for the arts have fueled his career well into the 2000s. In 2010, the actor landed the starring role of Frank Reagan in the CBS drama series “Blue Bloods,” which was his second regular role since his departure as Thomas Magnum. At this point, it’s undeniable that Selleck has a long and colorful history with Hollywood. Throughout the years, he has been entangled in rumors and controversies including questions about his sexuality. So, is Tom Selleck gay? Let’s find out the truth below.
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Tom Selleck’s Relationships
Despite the media portraying Selleck as a ladies’ man, the actor isn’t the type to date around. In fact, he has only been married twice and both relationships were long-term marriages. Although Selleck managed to keep his dating history under wraps, the occasional romantic details didn’t escape the press. Here’s a closer look at the actor’s love life and the secret to his long-lasting marriage.
Tom Selleck and Jacqueline Ray (1971-1982)
Selleck met his first wife, Jacqueline Ray, who was an actress and model on the set of “Magnum P.I.” Even though she only appeared in two episodes, Ray’s role as Ms. Roebuck launched her to stardom. It didn’t hurt that she eventually married the leading man of the acclaimed series. The couple made it official in 1971 with Selleck adopting the model’s son from a previous marriage.
Selleck and Ray were married for a decade but unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. The pair divorced in 1982 right at the height of the actor’s newfound popularity. According to the rumors, Ray was allegedly jealous of the female attention that Selleck was receiving because of his role. The split was amicable and Ray went on to marry Clarence Barry Witmer.
Unlike her former husband, Ray struck tragedy in her career and personal life. In 2014, the actress was charged with the murder of her son-in-law, Leon Bauchum. According to court reports, Ray hired a hitman when she learned that Bauchum was physically abusing her daughter, Umeko Ray. She was charged with second-degree murder and sentenced to 18 years in prison. To this day, Ray claims that she only did it to protect her daughter and grandchildren.
Tom Selleck and Jillie Mack (1987-Present)
After separating from his first wife, it would take Selleck years before he started seriously dating again. In 1984, the actor was filming in London when he saw his future wife, Jillie Mack, performing in the West End for the musical “Cats.” Selleck went to the show several times until he gathered the courage to ask her out. At that time, Mack had no idea who the actor was since she’d never seen him on television before.
The pair went to dinner and immediately hit it off, so much so that when Mack wrapped up her show, she moved to Hawaii with Selleck. After dating for three years, the couple secretly tied the knot at a 24-hour wedding chapel in Nevada. Apparently, Selleck’s brother listed the duo under aliases to avoid press attention. Selleck and Mack only took Polaroid snapshots of their wedding to prevent photos from leaking.
Not long after their wedding, Selleck and Ray welcomed their only child, Hannah. After the birth of their daughter, the actor decided to take a step back from his career to spend more time with his family. According to Selleck, it’s important to nurture his marriage and taking time away from work has done wonders for his relationship. When asked about the secret to his decades-long romance with Ray, Selleck shared in an interview:
We’re both independent. There’s a lot of yin and yang in us. I’m kind of quiet. She’s got this joie de vivre. I don’t know what our secret is, but I’m happy.”
Selleck to AARP, 2015
Selleck and Ray are still together and enjoying the perks of being in a long-term relationship. When asked about his wife in interviews, the actor has nothing but endearing things to say.
I think love has gotten deeper. Simpler. I have a wonderful wife. There’s just not a lot of bulls**t. We know we love each other. We both keep busy with stuff. Both of us get [mixed] up with whether our anniversary is 8/7/88 or 8/8/88. Jillie doesn’t get offended. Jillie’s obviously of this business, you know—her background. She understands that.”
Selleck to GQ, 2014
Is Tom Selleck Gay?
No, Tom Selleck is not gay. He has been married twice and is currently together with his second wife, Jacqueline Ray. They have one child together while the actor also has full custody of his adopted son from his previous marriage.
Featured Image: “Tom Selleck”, by Alan Light, licensed under CC BY 2.0 DEED