SakshiStepping Back
America had entered a war with Vietnam at the time Selleck was offered the deal in 1967. Along with being an acting aspirant, he was a patriot too. So, he decided to fight for his country instead of going ahead with the deal. He asked the company to wait. Years later he reminisced “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,” he added. Meanwhile, the deal that was drafted initially got canceled by 20th Century Fox.
Coming Home
War ended and Selleck headed back to the Hollywood but this time the things were exactly opposite from what were they pre-war. The scariest part of the entertainment industry is that one can get easily forgotten if is not in the spotlight. That is what was happening to Tom. A short termed absence from the industry had placed a question mark on his existence. He was yet to overcome his loss when another unexpected news hit him.
Another Shock
Tom got another shock when he learned that the studio deal had been ended by the executives. During the time Tom was busy serving the country the executives cut their losses and opted out of the deal they made with him. Now Tom had to begin with the beginning. And this time the journey was indeed tough.
A Fresh Wind
Apparently, nothing was working in his favor. But despite that, he maintained a positive attitude and continued trying. His luck changed finally when he was offered roles in about six TV pilots that never got released. However, the losses soon got compensated when he bagged the lead role of Thomas Magnum in Magnum P.I. The story revolved around an army veteran who takes up the job of private detective work set in Hawaii.
Ladder To Success
Just when he thought everything was falling into places, another problem rose its head. The writer of the show staged a major strike that did not let the show progress for many weeks. Besides that, the shortage of funding too posed a big trouble that delayed the show for months. But as they say, where is the will there is the way, no matter how much problems cropped up in his ways but ultimately the show got released and he proved himself. He received an Emmy in 1984 for “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.” Needless to say, the show turned out to be a big hit, thanks to Tom’s amazing acting skills.
Soaring High
Magnum P.I. is a very special show for Tom as it catapulted him to the status of heartthrob and superstar. Additionally, the show was also appreciated by the critics. Along with receiving positive reviews, the show also earned multiple nominations in Golden Globes and Emmy. Tom went on to win the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a TV-Series – Drama in 1985.