Young Tom Selleck virtually excelled in everything he ever dedicated his time and energy to. While taking up Business Administration at the University of Southern California, Tom received a basketball scholarship in the USC Trojans men’s basketball team.
Simultaneously, he was working as a model! It was only until his drama coach encouraged him that he decided to try out acting, too. He eventually was trained in acting at the Beverly Hills Playhouse.
The Personal Code
Despite the way he portrays himself with his roles, Tom Selleck actually had a solidified personal code of ethics. In fact, he’s quite the religious person himself! He's said that he tries very hard to conduct himself in an ethical way because that’s important to his stability now.
“We’re a culture that’s so centered on the individual. The culture says that basically nothing is more important than the way you feel.” Truly an honorable man.
Baby Tom
Tom has always had a soft spot in supporting and helping today’s youth. This inspiration probably came from his own childhood, growing up with a balanced upbringing in Detroit, Michigan.
At a young age, he was already given much responsibility and independence to take care of himself and find his place in the world. The Sellecks eventually moved to the state of California to start afresh with the kids.
A Rising Star
Everything seemed to be going as planned. Tom was ready to graduate with his degree, he was thriving in his college basketball team, and his modeling career was going as smoothly as it could. But it was the good impressions he earned in theatre school that truly got him to start on a new career option.
Selleck started to receive a few roles in local and national commercials, jump-starting him in the industry. After some experience, he was finally given a shot with Twentieth Century Fox. Although, things changed rather drastically...
Serving His Country
Tom Selleck’s money-making movie opportunity shattered into pieces when he was drafted into the U.S. Army for the Vietnam War. Although it hindered his road in chasing his dreams, Tom served proudly in the 160th Infantry Regiment until 1973.
“I am a veteran, I’m proud of it. I was a sergeant in the U.S. Army infantry, National Guard, Vietnam era. We’re all brothers and sisters in that sense,” Tom shared.