Tom Selleck’s Net Worth: How the Blue Bloods Star Amassed His Staggering Wealth

Tom Selleck is a television icon, beloved for his charming performances and iconic roles spanning five decades. With a successful career in both film and television, Selleck has built a remarkable legacy that is also reflected in his staggering net worth. Best known for his roles in Magnum, P.I. and Blue Bloods, Selleck was also seen in a longstanding arc in the popular sitcom Friends, in which he played one of Monica’s romantic interests.

The actor has, as a result, accumulated a commanding net worth of $25 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. That in itself is a result of his work across films, television, and other investments. 

Tom Selleck’s Early Life and Career Beginnings

Tom Selleck in a still from Magnum P.I. | CBS Studios

Born in Detroit in 1945, Tom Selleck’s journey to stardom began in Sherman Oaks, California, where his family moved in 1948. After high school, Selleck attended the University of Southern California (USC) on a basketball scholarship and majored in business administration. It wasn’t until his senior year that he discovered his passion for acting, leading him to pursue the craft full-time after studying under renowned acting coach Milton Katselas.

During this time, Selleck also served in the California Army National Guard from 1967 to 1973. His early career included numerous commercials and small roles in television series, including The Rockford Files. Despite several failed TV pilots, Selleck’s persistence paid off in 1980 when he landed the lead role in Magnum, P.I., catapulting him to fame.

The Magnum, P.I. Era: A Career Breakthrough for Tom Selleck

Tom Selleck as Thomas Magnum | Credit: CBS

Selleck’s role as private investigator Thomas Magnum on Magnum, P.I. was a turning point in his career. The show ran for eight seasons from 1980 to 1988 and became a cultural phenomenon. Selleck’s portrayal of the charming and laid-back Magnum earned him critical acclaim and an Emmy Award in 1984. 

Not only did Magnum, P.I. cement his status as a household name, but it also contributed significantly to his net worth. Selleck reportedly earned $4.8 million per season, a figure that, when adjusted for inflation, would be around $14 million today, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Although Selleck famously turned down the role of Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark due to his commitment to Magnum, P.I., he has no regrets, stating that the show was “the best thing that ever happened” to him, according to Parade.

Tom Selleck’s Career Post-Magnum Success

Tom Selleck in a still from Blue Bloods | CBS Studios

After Magnum, P.I., Selleck continued to thrive in both television and film. His role in Three Men and a Baby showcased his versatility as an actor. However, one of his most beloved roles came as Dr. Richard Burke on Friends, where he played Monica’s love interest. This role earned Selleck another Emmy nomination and further added to his wealth and popularity.

In 2010, Selleck took on another iconic role as Frank Reagan, the NYPD commissioner in the hit CBS drama Blue Bloods. The show became a major success and ran for 14 seasons, with the final season airing in 2024. Selleck was the highest-paid actor on the show, reportedly earning $200,000 per episode, which totals to approximately $4.8 million per season. However, for the 14th and final season, Selleck and the cast took a 25% pay cut to ensure the series would continue, lowering his earnings to $150,000 per episode.

How Did Tom Selleck Amassed His Wealth?

Magnum P.I. | Credit: CBS

Selleck’s television work has been his primary source of income. With Magnum, P.I., Friends, and Blue Bloods, he consistently earned high salaries, accumulating millions over the decades. His Blue Bloods salary, even after the pay cut, remains a significant portion of his wealth, totaling around $3.6 million for the final season alone, according to Celebrity Net Worth. 

Further, his film work, including hits like Three Men and a Baby and its sequel Three Men and a Little Lady, added to his financial success. While his filmography isn’t as extensive as his TV career, his roles have been memorable and lucrative.

Selleck continues to earn from the syndication of Magnum, P.I. and Blue Bloods, both of which enjoy extensive reruns. With 275 episodes of Blue Bloods under his belt, the show’s syndication deals have been lucrative for Selleck and the cast.

Further, according to Celebrity Net Worth, Selelck has also acted in commercials for major brands such as Pepsi, Right Guard, and Salem cigarettes, which helped establish his brand and add to his earnings. Today, he still makes appearances in commercials, notably for reverse mortgage companies.