Tom Selleck is undeniably one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, with a career spanning many years and a special place in the hearts of numerous Americans.
In his personal life, Tom Selleck has created a fulfilling world for himself, primarily within the confines of the California ranch he has called home for over three decades. His life on this ranch has been a source of stability and peace for the renowned actor.
Born in Detroit in January 1945, Tom Selleck ventured into the entertainment industry during the 1960s, initially taking on minor roles in television and film. It wasn’t until the iconic TV series “Magnum, P.I.” that Selleck achieved true fame and fortune. Portraying the Hawaii-based investigator Thomas Magnum for eight years, this role earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor.
Subsequently, Selleck took on significant roles in popular shows like “The Closer” and “Friends.” He’s currently a star of “Blue Bloods,” alongside Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan, and others. This police procedural drama has been running for an impressive 13 seasons and enjoys a dedicated fan base.
While Selleck has basked in the limelight, his career could have been even more illustrious. However, the actor has deliberately maintained a balance between his personal and professional life. This balance led him to make a significant decision in 1987: leaving “Magnum, P.I.”
Selleck’s departure from the series was influenced by the overwhelming fame it brought. While he cherished his work, the constant public attention was not always to his liking. He candidly expressed, “I knew intellectually what it would mean in terms of being a public person, but until you’ve lived it, there’s no way to understand it.”
His decision to quit the show was driven by his desire for a more fulfilling life. Shortly after leaving “Magnum, P.I.” in 1987, he married his second wife, Jillie Joan Mack. Selleck described Jillie as someone who could light up a room with her “joie de vivre” and “effervescent quality.”
Jillie, a former dancer and actress from England, entered their wedded life, and within a year, the couple acquired a ranch in Ventura, California, previously owned by Dean Martin. The property boasts an impressive collection of over 1,500 native trees.
With Selleck’s ongoing commitment to shooting “Blue Bloods” in New York over the last decade, when he’s away, his wife, Mack, takes charge of the ranch. While she left her own career behind, friends of the couple noted her profound happiness, largely stemming from her love for animals, which are a constant presence on their ranch.
Both Tom Selleck and Jillie Mack have a deep affection for their ranch. Prior to acquiring the ranch, Selleck felt the need to rejuvenate his spirit and reintroduce a semblance of anonymity into his life. During this time, he took on very few projects, which raised concerns about his career. However, he clarified that his lack of projects was due to his disinterest in the roles being offered to him, and nothing else.
Although headlines suggested his career was on the decline, the actor saw this period of peace and solitude as an opportunity for personal renewal. He stated, “I quit Magnum to have a family. It took a long time to get off the train, but I try very hard to have balance, and this ranch has helped me do that.”
Tom Selleck and Jillie Mack have been married for over 30 years, and in 1988, they welcomed their only child, a daughter named Hannah. The couple decided that the ranch would be an ideal place for their daughter to grow up.
Prioritizing his marriage and nurturing his personal life, Selleck expressed a desire to distance himself from Hollywood for a while, focusing on his home, and he attested to how this decision had strengthened his marriage.
Living a slower-paced life at the ranch has been a respite for his personal life, even though maintaining the property can be demanding. Selleck takes on various tasks himself, from road repairs to clearing the land.
However, the tranquility of their life on the ranch was disrupted when Selleck and his wife faced accusations of stealing significant amounts of water from a hydrant serving a nearby construction site.
According to the Calleguas Municipal Water District, Selleck allegedly took truckloads of water, utilizing a large water tender-type truck to make multiple trips to the hydrant and transport the water back to his property. Approximately 12 such trips were reported over two years, although it was uncertain whether additional undocumented trips had occurred.
Authorities issued two cease-and-desist letters to Selleck in late 2013, but he continued to take water without authorization.
As a result, the actor was ordered to pay $21,000 to cover the cost of the private investigation conducted against him and additional funds to compensate for the damages. Furthermore, he was prohibited from drawing water from the Calleguas Municipal Water District for his personal use.
It appears that Tom Selleck is content with his life in California, particularly his time spent on the ranch. His retreat provides a sanctuary for relaxation and self-discovery.
Share this insight into Tom Selleck’s personal life and his home with other fans of the actor, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of this beloved Hollywood figure.