The Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor is known for his roles in hit shows such as The Closer, Blue Bloods and Magnum P.I. credits his success solely to his faith in Jesus Christ.
However, his faith was not always what it is today. Selleck admits that his journey to becoming a Christian has been difficult over the years.
His career has come a long way. Before his heartbreak became culturally influential, Selleck was a college basketball player with occasional roles in Pepsi commercials and episodes of The Dating Game.
During his younger years, he was studying business and had plans to enter a management training program with United Airlines when he decided to seriously pursue an acting career, according to Parade.
After graduating from college, Twentieth Century Fox offered him an acting contract but at that time God did not call him to act. He decided to follow God’s call to join the army.Selleck learned the values of the United States Army from his parents at an early age. His parents’ lessons trained him to become not only an actor but also a veteran and a man of integrity.
During the Vietnam War, Selleck was issued a military draft. He joined the California National Guard in the 160th Infantry Regiment. He served from 1967 to 1973. He later appeared on California National Guard recruitment posters.
The military left a strong impression on Selleck, and he looks back on his service with pride: “I’m a veteran, I’m proud of that,” Selleck said. “I was a sergeant in the infantry, the US National Guard during the Vietnam era. In that sense, we are all brothers and sisters.”
After enlisting, he returned to acting. It was the role of Thomas Magnum that changed his life forever. Even after getting this role, he continued to listen to God.
“Even though this business has brought me many benefits, it is not the meaning of life. There are more important things in life. You know, we all have struggled to be successful in this business to balance that, I certainly have,” Selleck said.
He got his big break in acting in 1980 when he got married
He credits all of his successes in life to Jesus Christ, whom he claims as his Lord and Savior. Selleck says he always tries to behave ethically and that’s the most important thing.
He attributed his fortune to Jesus Christ. He said, although each person’s heart makes plans for life, it is God who guides them to carry out those plans.
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps,” Selleck said. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you.”