Tom Selleck’s Best Roles

Tom Selleck has been a familiar face on our screens for decades, becoming one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors. With his signature mustache and charismatic presence, he’s played a wide range of characters that have left a lasting impression on audiences. From private investigators in Hawaii to police commissioners in New York City, Selleck has shown his versatility time and time again, bringing a unique blend of charm, wit, and authority to every role he takes on.

His journey through film and television has been marked by a number of iconic performances that have solidified his status as a true star. Whether he’s solving crimes, navigating family drama, or making us laugh in a comedy, Selleck has a way of connecting with viewers that feels genuine and effortless. His career is a testament to his talent and enduring appeal, showcasing a body of work that continues to entertain and resonate with fans of all ages, proving that a great performance never goes out of style.

‘The Closer’ (1998)

In the short-lived sitcom ‘The Closer’, Tom Selleck played Jack McLaren, a successful advertising executive who decides to start his own agency. The show centered around the challenges and humorous situations that arose from running his new business, as well as his interactions with a quirky group of employees. The series gave Selleck a chance to showcase his comedic timing in a leading role on television, playing a character trying to balance his professional ambitions with his personal life.

The supporting cast included veteran actor Ed Asner as the creative director, adding a layer of classic sitcom dynamics to the workplace environment. The show also touched on Jack’s relationships with his estranged wife and his daughter, providing a glimpse into the character’s life outside the office. Although it only aired for ten episodes, it remains a unique entry in Selleck’s extensive television career, highlighting his ability to lead an ensemble comedy.

‘Lassiter’ (1984)

In ‘Lassiter’, Tom Selleck stars as Nick Lassiter, a charming and sophisticated jewel thief living in London in the late 1930s. The film opens with Lassiter expertly pulling off a heist, only to find himself caught between British intelligence and the German embassy. He is blackmailed by law enforcement to use his unique skills to steal millions in gems from a German spy, forcing him into a dangerous game of espionage on the brink of World War II.

The movie combines elements of a classic heist film with a spy thriller, allowing Selleck to portray a character who is both a suave gentleman and a capable man of action. The plot involves him navigating a world of deception and danger, all while trying to protect his girlfriend, played by Jane Seymour. The film is a stylish adventure that showcases Selleck’s leading man qualities in a period setting.

‘The Sacketts’ (1979)

‘The Sacketts’ is a two-part miniseries based on the novels by Louis L’Amour, featuring Tom Selleck as Orrin Sackett. The story follows the Sackett brothers, who travel from their home in Tennessee to make a new life for themselves in the American West after the Civil War. Orrin is the more civilized and ambitious of the brothers, often taking on leadership roles and dealing with the legal and political challenges they face on the frontier.

Alongside Sam Elliott as his wilder, mountain-man brother Tell, and Jeff Osterhage as the youngest brother Tyrel, Selleck helps bring the popular book series to life. The miniseries is a classic Western adventure, filled with cattle drives, gunfights, and the struggles of settling a new land. The dynamic between the three brothers is central to the story, as they rely on each other to survive and build their futures.

‘Las Vegas’ (2003–2008)

Tom Selleck joined the cast of ‘Las Vegas’ in its fifth season as A.J. Cooper, the new owner of the Montecito casino. His character is a former Marine and cattle rancher from Wyoming with a mysterious past and a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to business. Cooper takes over the casino and quickly establishes himself as a powerful figure, bringing a new dynamic to the series with his calm and commanding presence.

As the head of the Montecito, Cooper deals with the high-stakes drama and various security threats that come with running a major Las Vegas resort. He becomes a mentor figure to some of the existing characters, offering guidance and drawing on his extensive life experience to solve problems. Selleck’s portrayal of Cooper added a sense of gravitas to the show’s final season, leaving a memorable mark on the popular series.

‘Crossfire Trail’ (2001)

In the Western film ‘Crossfire Trail’, Tom Selleck plays Rafe Covington, a man who makes a promise to a dying friend to look after his wife and ranch in Wyoming. When Covington arrives, he finds that the widow is being targeted by a powerful and ruthless landowner who wants her property for himself. Covington must use his skills as a gunslinger to protect her and honor his vow, facing off against a town controlled by the corrupt businessman.

The movie is an adaptation of a Louis L’Amour novel and features all the classic elements of a Western, including tense standoffs, horseback chases, and a strong sense of justice. Selleck’s character is a man of integrity and quiet strength, who is forced to take a stand against overwhelming odds. The film was a highly-rated cable television movie and remains a fan favorite for its engaging story and Selleck’s compelling performance.

‘In & Out’ (1997)

In the comedy ‘In & Out’, Tom Selleck plays Peter Malloy, a television reporter who comes to a small town in Indiana to cover a story about a high school teacher who is outed as gay by a former student during an Academy Awards speech. Malloy is a confident and openly gay journalist who becomes a key figure in the media circus that surrounds the teacher, who is struggling with the public revelation.

Selleck’s role is a pivotal one, as his character represents an honest and self-assured perspective that contrasts with the main character’s confusion and denial. The film uses humor to explore themes of identity and acceptance, and Selleck’s performance was praised for its charm and comedic timing. One of the movie’s most memorable moments is a scene where his character shares a lengthy and dramatic on-screen kiss with Kevin Kline’s character.

‘Monte Walsh’ (2003)

‘Monte Walsh’ features Tom Selleck in the title role as an aging cowboy who finds himself struggling to adapt to the changing American West at the turn of the 20th century. As the open range begins to disappear, replaced by fences and corporate-owned ranches, Monte and his fellow cowboys face a future where their way of life is becoming obsolete. The film explores the challenges and heartbreaks of a man trying to hold on to his identity in a world that no longer has a place for him.

The movie is a remake of an earlier film and is a poignant and often somber look at the end of an era. Selleck delivers a powerful performance as a man who is loyal to his friends and the cowboy code, even as everything around him is changing. The story follows his relationships, his work, and his efforts to maintain his dignity in the face of inevitable progress, making it a thoughtful and emotional Western.

‘Quigley Down Under’ (1990)

Tom Selleck stars as Matthew Quigley, an American sharpshooter who travels to Australia after answering an ad from a wealthy and ruthless landowner. Quigley believes he’s been hired for his incredible long-range shooting skills to hunt wild dogs, but he soon learns that his new employer expects him to use his rifle to kill Aboriginal Australians. Quigley refuses and is left for dead in the harsh outback, leading him to seek revenge and protect the innocent.

The film is a unique Western set in the Australian landscape, combining action, adventure, and a story of one man standing up against injustice. Quigley is a classic hero, with a strong moral compass and an extraordinary talent with his custom Sharps rifle. The movie is known for its impressive cinematography and Selleck’s iconic portrayal of the American cowboy who becomes a legend in a foreign land.

‘3 Men and a Baby’ (1987)

In the hit comedy ‘Three Men and a Baby’, Tom Selleck plays Peter Mitchell, one of three bachelor roommates whose lives are turned upside down when a baby is unexpectedly left on their doorstep. As an architect, Peter is the most responsible of the trio, and he finds himself trying to maintain order as he and his friends learn how to care for an infant. The film follows their hilarious and heartwarming journey into accidental fatherhood.

The movie was a massive commercial success and became a defining comedy of the 1980s. The chemistry between Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, and Ted Danson was a key part of its appeal, as they portrayed the chaos and eventual joy of raising a baby together. The film balances humor with touching moments, as the three men form a deep bond with the child, and it led to a successful sequel, ‘Three Men and a Little Lady’.

‘Jesse Stone’ (2005–2015)

Tom Selleck portrays Jesse Stone, a former LAPD homicide detective who becomes the police chief in a small, quiet town in Massachusetts. The series of television films is based on the novels by Robert B. Parker and follows Stone as he battles crime and his own personal demons, including his struggles with alcohol and his ex-wife. As the new chief, he investigates murders and other serious crimes that disrupt the peaceful surface of the town.

Selleck not only stars in the nine films but also served as a producer and co-writer on several of them, showing his deep commitment to the character. Jesse Stone is a complex and flawed hero, and Selleck’s portrayal captures his melancholy nature and his sharp detective skills. The films are known for their moody atmosphere, intelligent mysteries, and character-driven storytelling, earning a dedicated fanbase.

‘Boston Legal’ (2004–2008)

Tom Selleck had a memorable recurring role on the legal dramedy ‘Boston Legal’ as Ivan Tiggs, the charismatic and wealthy ex-husband of Shirley Schmidt, one of the main partners at the law firm. Ivan is a larger-than-life character who reappears in Shirley’s life, often with a new, much younger fiancée in tow, seeking her legal assistance. His presence always creates both personal and professional complications for her.

His character was known for his charm, his wit, and his complicated romantic history with Shirley. Selleck’s appearances brought a fun and engaging energy to the show, as he went head-to-head with the firm’s brilliant but eccentric lawyers. His performance added another dimension to the series, showcasing his ability to fit seamlessly into an established ensemble cast while making a significant impact.

‘The Rockford Files’ (1974–1980)

Early in his career, Tom Selleck made a notable guest appearance on ‘The Rockford Files’ as Lance White, a fellow private investigator who is the complete opposite of Jim Rockford. Lance is portrayed as the perfect detective, he is charming, always successful, and seems to solve cases with incredible ease and luck, much to the annoyance of the more down-to-earth and constantly struggling Rockford.

His character appeared in two episodes and was so well-liked that there were discussions about a potential spin-off series. Lance White is almost a parody of the flawless television hero, he never has to work hard for clues and everything just falls into place for him. Selleck’s performance was smooth and confident, creating a memorable and humorous rival for the show’s beloved main character.

‘Friends’ (1994–2004)

Tom Selleck had a popular recurring role on ‘Friends’ as Dr. Richard Burke, an ophthalmologist and close friend of Monica and Ross’s parents. He and Monica begin a romantic relationship despite their significant age difference, and he becomes one of her most serious boyfriends. Richard is portrayed as a sophisticated, kind, and mature man who is already a grandfather, which eventually leads to a conflict with Monica’s desire to have children of her own.

His character was a fan favorite, and his relationship with Monica was a major storyline in the show’s earlier seasons. Selleck’s charismatic and warm portrayal made Richard a likable and compelling love interest, even after their breakup. He made a memorable return in a later season, creating a final romantic obstacle for Monica and Chandler’s engagement.

‘Blue Bloods’ (2010–)

In the long-running drama ‘Blue Bloods’, Tom Selleck stars as Frank Reagan, the New York City Police Commissioner and patriarch of the Reagan family, a multi-generational family of police officers. Frank is a principled and dedicated leader who navigates the political and public pressures of his job while also guiding his children, who are all involved in law enforcement. The show is known for its focus on family, duty, and the complexities of police work.

As the head of both his family and the NYPD, Frank Reagan is a character defined by his strong moral compass and his commitment to justice. The series often features a family dinner scene in each episode, where the Reagans discuss their cases and moral dilemmas. Selleck’s portrayal of the respected and thoughtful commissioner has been a cornerstone of the show’s success, making it one of his most enduring and well-known roles.

‘Magnum, P.I.’ (1980–1988)

Tom Selleck became a household name with his iconic role as Thomas Magnum in the classic television series ‘Magnum, P.I.’ Set in Hawaii, the show follows a private investigator who lives a life of luxury on a lavish estate while solving cases. Magnum is known for his casual style, his red Ferrari, his charming personality, and his friendships with his war buddies, T.C. and Rick.

The series was a massive hit and defined a generation of television, blending action, comedy, and drama. Selleck’s portrayal of the charismatic and easygoing private eye earned him numerous awards and turned him into a major star. The character’s adventures, often narrated by Magnum himself, captivated audiences for eight seasons and solidified his place as one of TV’s most beloved characters.

What is your favorite Tom Selleck role from his long and successful career?