Tom Selleck actually enjoyed his recurring role on a popular drama series, The Rockford Files before making it big on “Magnum P.I..” The show was even ranked as one of the greatest shows of all time by TV Guide!
Though Selleck is known for his roles elsewhere, his time on The Rockford Files definitely contributed to his desire to perfect his role on “Magnum P.I.”
A Fitting Reference
Archer, the renowned television series created by Adam Reed, actually referenced "Magnum P.I." in a number of their episodes. In fact, in their season 2 episode named “Placebo Effect”, the character Cyril concluded that Archer’s film of personal revenge, or "Terms of Enrampagement," should be called "Magnum P.U." instead.
It was both a comedic moment and a notable homage to the classic eighties show.
Magnum’s Failed Naval Adventures
It isn’t a surprise that discussions and ideas for a Magnum motion picture have been tossed around here and there. In fact, one idea was Magnum in a feature film as a character returning to the navy.
It was so close to coming alive that Universal Studios even hired Tom Clancy, a renowned writer, to pen a script. Unfortunately, the studio had to let go of that idea when they concluded that it wouldn't draw enough sales in the box office.
Memoir
If you wanted to know some further facts and anecdotes about "Magnum P.I.," you might want to take a look at Larry Manetti’s memoir called "Aloha, Magnum." The memoir shows what really went on behind the scenes during the show’s successful eight-year run.
Manetti shares, “I cover the hit series, my wild childhood, my crazy days in Hollywood on series like Battlestar Galactica and Baa Baa Black Sheep, my moonlighting as a prominent restaurateur, my escapades with the rich, famous and especially the outrageous.” He even includes more information on his friendship with the then-sex symbol, Tom Selleck!
Keep It Between Friends
It’s always great to run into an old friend along the way of both of your successes. Tom Selleck was able to cross paths with Grammy Award-winning composer Mike Post, the actual mastermind behind the absolutely catchy "Magnum P.I." theme song.
Apparently, Post was one of Selleck’s high school classmates! It must have been an epic moment when they found out that they were about to work on the same show together.