Tom Selleck is a celebrated actor whose career spans decades. While fans admire him for his unforgettable role as Thomas Magnum in the hit 1980s series “Magnum, P.I.,” Tom’s focus has always been on family over fame.
Tom Selleck on the set of “Magnum, P.I.,” 1982 | Source: Getty Images
Despite his status as a household name, Tom has maintained a low profile, prioritizing life away from the spotlight. “I’m a fairly private person,” he once shared, emphasizing the importance of balancing work and family. “It’s always about them.”
Tom has been married to actress Jillie Mack for over 30 years. Together, they share a daughter, Hannah, while Tom is also a father to Kevin from his first marriage to Jacqueline Ray. The family calls their sprawling ranch in Ventura, California, home.
Tom Selleck and Jillie Mack on October 4, 2017, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
The ranch became a sanctuary for Tom after he left “Magnum, P.I.” at the height of its popularity in 1988. Trading Hollywood’s chaos for a quieter life, he took a step back to reconnect with what mattered most.
“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,” he admitted.
Tom Selleck on May 23, 1985, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Tom’s retreat from acting extended longer than planned, as uninspiring roles left him unmotivated. The 1990s saw Tom’s return with standout appearances on “Friends” and “The Closer.” He eventually landed the role of Frank Reagan on “Blue Bloods,” a part that solidified his status as a television legend.
Reflecting on his journey, Tom expressed gratitude for his enduring career and fulfilling family life. “I’m proud of my work, I still love what I do, and I have my family,” he said. “I’ve been enormously fortunate.” While his decades-long career has earned him countless accolades, he considers fatherhood his most meaningful role.
The actor and his wife have been married since 1988, a bond he describes as growing “simpler” and “deeper” over time. Their enduring partnership has been built on mutual understanding and respect—a relationship he values more as the years pass.
Family has always been central to Tom’s life, especially when it comes to raising his daughter Hannah. Now an accomplished horse breeder, Hannah shares a close bond with her father.
“You never stop being a dad, even though your kids are grown,” he noted. The two often spend time riding horses together, strengthening their connection through shared passions.
During Hannah’s childhood, Tom was intentional about the stories he read to her. “I read to her all the time when she was little, and I said ‘Hannah, I’m not going to read these to you.’ She said ‘Why daddy?’ I said because the dad’s always an idiot,” he recalled.
It was a small but meaningful way to instill positive values while juggling his demanding career. Even in his iconic role as Police Commissioner Frank Reagan on “Blue Bloods,” Tom draws parallels to his own life. Like Frank, he sees family as a guiding force, even amid professional challenges.
“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” he reflected, adding that strong father figures are vital both on-screen and off.
Tom Selleck with wife Jillie and daughter Hannah during The 56th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Even at the height of his fame, Tom’s devotion to family has been a defining aspect of his life. During his Magnum, P.I. days, he stepped back from acting when his daughter Hannah was hospitalized with viral pneumonia as a toddler.
Reflecting on that time, he shared, “I got off that train.” Though he was set to film “Christopher Columbus: The Discovery” alongside Marlon Brando, family came first. “It wasn’t worth it. It was never going to be worth it,” he admitted.
Raising Hannah on their California ranch, Tom and his wife, nurtured her love for horses from a young age. Hannah began riding at age four, encouraged by her parents and inspired by her father’s experience with horses from his Western film roles. “He’s a good horseman,” she recalled.
As she grew, Hannah’s passion for equestrian sports intensified. By her teenage years, she was balancing competitive riding with other interests like ballet and piano. However, at 15, she chose to pursue riding seriously, training under renowned equestrian coaches.
Her passion for horses has seen her compete in elite events like the Hampton Classic Horse Show. Despite her equestrian ambitions, Hannah didn’t abandon education.
She earned a communications degree from Loyola Marymount University while commuting for training. An internship in entertainment PR seemed promising, but her heart remained with horses. “I realized how much I missed not only riding but all aspects of the horses and being around them every day,” she said.
Hannah has built an impressive career in equestrian sports, thanks to her unwavering family support. After excelling in competitive events, she founded Descanso Farm, a premier horse breeding and training facility. Her work involves raising world-class horses and competing in international show-jumping competitions.
Though her journey has been marked by success, it hasn’t been without challenges. Following a severe injury, Hannah faced not only physical recovery but also the mental toll that came with it.
Hannah Selleck attends the American Ballet Theatre’s annual holiday benefit dinner and performance on December 11, 2017, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Returning to the competitive arena triggered trauma responses. This made it difficult for her to perform under pressure—something she’d always excelled at before. Mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga, along with professional therapy, helped her process PTSD and regain confidence.
A pivotal moment came during the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in 2022, when her horse Billy jumped a fence despite her hesitation, boosting her trust in her horse and herself.
As her partnership with another horse, Cloud deepened, so did her confidence. “He is difficult but so brave,” she shared. “In trusting him, trust in myself returned.” Over time, her resilience paid off, culminating in a victory at the Longines Global Champions Tour in Miami.
Today, Hannah continues to thrive in her sport while acknowledging that progress is a continuous journey. With her family’s support, she has earned respect in the equestrian world through hard work, determination, and love for the sport.
While she has carved a successful career in equestrian sports she maintains a close bond with her family. Based in North Salem, New York, where her horses are kept, she commutes daily from Manhattan while also spending winters in Wellington, Florida, for major equestrian events.
Despite living far from her family’s ranch, Hannah finds comfort in her New York life. Her father, Tom, frequently travels to the city to film “Blue Bloods,” giving them opportunities to reconnect. “I’ll occasionally see him when he’s here,” she shared, appreciating the balance of city life and her equestrian career.
From time to time, Hannah shares heartwarming photos with her parents on social media, delighting fans who can’t help but comment on her striking resemblance to her mother.“Twins 🤗🤗🤗,” one fan gushed. “You look like your mom 😊,” another added, while a third user wrote, “You’re a split image of your mom ❤️ Just Beautiful ❤️.”
The admiration continued with comments like, “Hannah, ur so beautiful ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. You do look like ur mom—two beautiful, talented ladies [sic].” Others praised her appearance, calling her “stunning.” These touching reactions highlight the enduring affection fans have for the Selleck family.
