There’s something special about Tom Selleck, isn’t there? He’s not just the guy who plays the tough, no-nonsense Frank Reagan on Blue Bloods. No, this Hollywood legend is also a devoted father both in front of the camera and behind closed doors. Let’s talk about Tom’s incredible journey as a dad. The Blue Bloods star adopted his son, Kevin Selleck, during his first marriage to Jacqueline Ray. Now that’s what I call commitment.
Meet Kevin Selleck: Tom’s First Child
Tom Selleck’s first marriage to Jacqueline Ray lasted from 1971 to 1982, but it wasn’t just any old union. During their time together, Tom embraced his role as a father by adopting Jacqueline’s son, Kevin. This wasn’t just a legal decision; it was a heartfelt one. Kevin became an integral part of Tom’s life, and the two have shared a bond that’s lasted decades. Now, that’s some serious fatherly love right there!
Kevin Selleck didn’t just grow up in the shadow of his famous dad. He carved out his own path in the entertainment world. If you’ve ever seen the 1987 episode of Magnum, P.I., you might have spotted Kevin making a cameo appearance. And that’s not all! Kevin also flexed his creative muscles as a writer for the Scream 2 soundtrack, penning the track “Eyes of Sand.” For a few years, he even played guitar in the band Tonic from 1993 to 1996. Talk about following in his dad’s footsteps while blazing his own trail!
Read also:Colter Shaw Heads To The Big Apple In Upcoming Tracker Episode
But wait, there’s more. Tom isn’t just a one-and-done dad. He’s also the proud father of daughter Hannah Selleck, whom he welcomed with his second wife, Jillie Mack. Tom and Jillie have been married since 1987, and their family life has been nothing short of heartwarming. Now, that’s what I call a family man!
Tom has always been candid about the challenges of balancing his Hollywood career with the responsibilities of being a father. In a candid interview with People in April 2024, he opened up about the sacrifices he’s made. “I think I’ve been a good dad,” he admitted. “But you always think you missed opportunities. I mean, when it comes right down to it, in our business the work comes first. You find a way to make that compatible, but…” It’s a sentiment that many parents in the entertainment industry can relate to. Despite the challenges, Tom is deeply grateful for his life and his family. “I’ve had a very good life,” he said with a smile.
Tom Selleck: A Family Man at Heart
Insiders have long praised Tom for his dedication to his family. In January 2020, a source told Closer that Tom’s bond with his children is as strong as ever. “He’s close [with his children] and a good dad,” the source revealed. “Tom rides horses and spends time with Hannah. She’s a lovely young lady.” Now, that’s what I call quality father-daughter time!
Tom often draws parallels between his real-life family and his role as Frank Reagan on Blue Bloods. In an October 2012 interview with CBS, he explained, “I’m playing the patriarch of a family. I think Frank is sometimes an idiot and sometimes makes mistakes, but part of what he tries to be is a good dad.” Tom admits that portraying a strong leader isn’t easy. “It’s hard to play leaders. You can’t show fear. You can’t show emotion, all those human emotions the audience wants to see.” Yet, he pulls it off with grace and authenticity.
A few years later, in September 2018, Tom opened up to Parade about the enduring nature of fatherhood. “You never stop being a dad even though your kids are grown,” he said. “Look, Frank’s flawed. I’ve worked very hard to make him flawed because he’s not easy to work for. He takes things out on his people and his family sometimes, and yet people like him. That’s the best kind of character to play. He tries to do the right thing. There aren’t a lot of good, strong, examples of patriarchs trying to do the right thing on television. So I think that performs a certain function; fathers are important.”
